GORD OF HONOUR
GORDON Elliott won the top trainer title with an amazing eight winners.
A last-day double for the Irish handler sealed the prize from Willie Mullins.
Farclas equalled Elliott’s 2017 score of seven when powering up the hill to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Victory was expected from Apple’s Shakira, the 6-5 favourite, but she ruined her chance by pulling like an uncontrolled Labrador and had to settle for fourth.
“It’s great, we’re having an unbelievable week,” said Elliott. “I keep saying to the staff and owners that it’s unbelievable, and it’s a big thanks to everyone.
“On his first run he was beaten in a Grade Two, then he was beaten in a Grade One by Mr Adjudicator, so there was only a good jump between them and the Irish form stood up.”
It was another winning ride for 18-year-old Jack Kennedy wearing the ® Michael O’Leary silks. Kennedy, the leading rider at the meeting with four winners, said: “Another Ryanair flight has arrived on time!”
O’Leary said: “I was very surprised as I didn’t think the fillies (Apple’s Shakira and Stormy Ireland) would be beaten today, but they both pulled very badly all the way round.
“He’s only run twice and been beaten twice, so it’s one of those nice days where if he hadn’t have won, we’d have kept him a novice for next year. We’re very happy to win the Triumph with him. He’s getting stronger and stronger. Gordon has always loved him.”
Blow By Blow was Elliott’s eighth success of a staggering meeting in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle where he was given a top ride by Donagh Meyler.