GORD’S COL OF DUTY
Elliott believes Gerri can return stronger
GORDON ELLIOTT is plotting how Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe can go one better next year.
The eight year old produced a career best to chase home the brilliant Galopin Des Champs last Friday.
He was only beaten three and a half lengths and Elliott (below) believes there is more improvement to come.
“I’d say Gerri Colombe was definitely a career best. We were delighted with Gerri and the winner is very, very special.
“The loose horse has done us absolutely no favours – we’d have never won on the day, but we might have been a little bit closer.
“I think with another summer out at grass, he’s going to be even better. He probably jumped his best throughout the race on Friday but I still think he needs to learn to come down and get from A to B a little bit quicker.
“If you look at Galopin Des Champs, he’s a lot quicker through the air than we are, but that’s getting better all the time. “Whether we run him again this year or not, I’m not sure. If I do, it’ll likely be Punchestown, Aintree will probably come a bit soon. But if not, it’ll be all systems go again for the Gold Cup next year.”
The trainer also told racing TV’s Luck On Sunday that Paddy power Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo could also go to the Punchestown Festival next month. “We’ll probably look at going back to Punchestown, all being well, and then maybe going the same path again next year.”
Meanwhile, Fastorslow will run at the Punchestown Festival after his Gold Cup tumble. He unseated JJ Slevin at the 16th fence before running loose and finishing on the shoulder of Galopin Des Champs.
Trainer Martin Brassil said: “He’s fine, he’s come out of it well.
“The race hadn’t really developed when he unseated. He’ll go to Punchestown all being well.”
Venetia Williams said L’Homme Presse, who finished fourth in the Gold Cup, returned with a “nasty wound” on a leg and may not run at Aintree.