Elliott proud to hold off Mullins

Gordon Elliott landed his first Cheltenham Festival training title as he withstood the late challenge of Willie Mullins to take the honours.

Elliott had looked home and hosed after two days, with five winners before his great rival had even got on the board.

However, the complexion changed when Mullins rattled in a four-timer on Thursday and briefly went ahead thanks to a double yesterday through Arctic Fire in the County Hurdle and Penhill in the Albert Bartlett.

Elliott drew level again on six when Champagne Classic won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, and that was enough to give the County Meath handler the title on countback.

“It’s been an amazing week,” said Elliott.

“To beat Willie, with the strength he has – and he’s an amazing trainer – is brilliant. It’s a credit to the staff and the owners, I’m part of a team so we’ll enjoy it.

“Coming over I was hoping for one and we won the first race with Labaik so everything else has been a bonus.

“It’s unbelievable, we had three winners Tuesday and had a bit of a drink, too much so we haven’t touched a drop since. When we get home next week we’ll have a staff party.”

Ruby Walsh’s four-timer on the third afternoon was enough for him to clinch the jockeys’ title for the 11th time.

Robbie Power was second thanks to his final-day double, which made it three for the week, while there were a host of jockeys on two winners.