‘Onwards and upwards’ for Ellis and O’Connor

DEREK O’CONNOR’S association with Gordon Elliott stretches back well before yesterday afternoon when they enjoyed their maiden Cheltenham Festival successes with Chicago Grey.

The pair spent time together on the point-to-point circuit at home where Elliott was moderately successful and O’Connor has habitually been the star of the show and crowned champion rider year after year.

Elliott’s star has burned just as brightly since turning his attention to training horses and O’Connor believes his old sparring partner could one day emulate the likes of Willie Mullins and Noel Meade.