Gordon Elliott has responded to Richard Newland’s recent comments suggesting that British racing should limit the number of Irish runners in Britain.
Newland’s suggestions came after another Cheltenham where the Irish were dominant yet again. Britain’s last win in the Prestbury Cup came back in 2015 and this level of sustained dominance by the Irish shows no signs of letting up.
Elliott, speaking exclusively to BoyleSports, has criticised Newland and his attitude in the wake of his comments about limiting Irish runners in Britain. The Co. Meath-based trainer is one of Ireland’s most successful ever trainers with a resume of 40 Cheltenham Festival winners plus 3 Grand Nationals.
Elliott also spoke to us here about his thoughts on his stable’s performance at the recent Cheltenham Festival, the prestige of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, his intended runners for Fairyhouse’s big day and what it’s like training for some of the most famous owners in the sport.
Richard Newland’s Comments About Irish Runner Restrictions Disappointing
I was very disappointed in Richard Newland’s comments. He is a man I would always have looked up to when I started training over the past ten to 15 years. But I was very disappointed with the way he is carrying on.
It is a sport. Sport has to be competitive.
You have to be as competitive as you can whatever you do. There is no point in whining over things.
All you have got to do is look at Nicky Henderson or Dan Skelton or Paul Nicholls. You never hear them saying a word. That is why they get the results.
Cheltenham Week Was A Success
We had a great week. Three winners, second in the Gold Cup, second in the Champion Hurdle, second in the Arkle, third in the Supreme Novices. I was very happy with the week. I could always do with a few more but I can’t complain!
*The next big event on the National Hunt racing calendar is the Fairyhouse Easter Festival from March 30th-April 1st and you can bet on the festival feature with our BoyleSports Irish Grand National odds .
Hats Off to Willie Mullins, He Sets The Standard
Here in Ireland we have to look at Willie every day of the week. In Britain, you only have to do it a couple of times a year!
He is an amazing man. He sets the standard and we all have to up our game to get to him.
The Irish Grand National
The Irish National Is A Special Race
Fairyhouse is one of my local tracks and we've been lucky enough to win the race with General Principle in 2018. One of my earliest memories in racing was when John Fowler (Jessica Harrington’s brother) won the race with Maid Of Money in 1989.
It's one of the biggest handicaps in the calendar and it's one of Ireland's great races.
Memories of General Principle's win
It was a great day and it was made extra special as all my friends and family were there to see it. The only downside was the weather was horrendous!
Who will you run at Fairyhouse this year?
We will probably have five or six runners in it but I've still not made a firm decision on what I'm running in this year's race yet. We will split them up between Aintree and elsewhere.
I do like the Nationals. I have been very lucky with both over the years. We try to support the races where we can.
*Gordon Elliott trained Favori De Champdou is a 16/1 chance in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National betting .
Famous Owners
What It’s Like Having Michael O’Leary As An Owner
He is fantastic for the sport. He is a great man and he has been a big supporter of mine since I started training.
But he is results driven and you have to get the results for him. But that is a good thing.
Sir Alex and Harry Redknapp’s Impact On Horse Racing
It is absolutely brilliant. I have trained for both of them at different stages. They are great people for the sport and they deserve all the luck they get. To have big names like that coming into racing is brilliant.
Buzz Around Irish Sports At The Moment Is Brilliant
I follow all sports, especially hurling, Gaelic football and GAA. I follow Meath. I sponsor my local football club here in Summerhill.
I follow rugby too. Ireland are Six Nations champions again and it is great to see.
The buzz is brilliant. When you see what winning means to the kids, that’s the biggest thing.
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, always gamble responsibly.
