Finally, someone has emerged as a real challenger to Willie Mullins

He may have a fair way to go to be in the Willie Mullins league, but Gordon Elliott is getting there - and quickly writes Pat Keane.

Last weekend there were two bumpers run in Ireland, at Fairyhouse on Saturday and Punchestown on Sunday, and Elliott won both of them.

They emphasised the growing quality within his stable and, just like Mullins, indicate a system that doesn’t half possess the wherewithal to source future racecourse winners.