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licence in 1978 and has clearly has not lost his competitive edge. When asked about the powerful invasion from the Ireland, he said: “We’ve got to beat them – Willie is bloody strong and so is Gordon.

“I enjoy the competition but, surely, we should be beating them. They are two massive operations, but we’ve got a fantastic team. Very, very strong.

“The Douvan and Altior clash (Champion Chase) is something we’ve been waiting for but both horses have had their problems.

“It’s the same with Faugheen. He’s the most potent danger to Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle (the race he won last year). Don’t ever underestimate Willie’s horses.

“I’ve always thought Altior was a very, very good horse. It is only two years since Sprinter Sacre (regarded as the best he has trained) was around, but now Altior has come along. He’s got to win his championship races and take it to the next level before we make can comparisons.

“I think Might Bite has the most to prove yet. The other boys have been there and are proven. Might Bite has yet to show that he gets the trip in the Gold Cup and we’ve got to make sure there are none of his funny quirks.

“I’m devising a plan to prevent him diving off the course, like he did when he won last year’s RSA Chase, but I’m not telling you what it is!

“Minding these guys, of course there’s pressure but I would rather have it that way. No pressure means you don’t have any good horses.”

Elliott dismissed the belief a privileged background is necessary to succeed as a trainer.

The 40-year-old son of a panel beater, with no family connections in the sport and little money, became the youngest trainer to win the Grand National with Silver Birch in 2007, his second year with a licence.