Gordon Elliott hoping conceding DRF battle will help him win Cheltenham war

The trainer outlined his Festival plans at Monday's pre-Cheltenham media day at his Cullentra House base

POURING IT ON: Stayers' Hurdle favoutite Teahupoo gets washed down after morning exercise on Monday.  Picture: Healy Racing

Prior to the Dublin Racing Festival, it was clear that the intent from Gordon Elliott was to focus his team on the Cheltenham Festival. The Leopardstown event wasn’t entirely forsaken, but as part of the ongoing assessment of priorities for the season, he viewed it as more beneficial to his charges to look beyond the Irish festival with the Prestbury Park meeting in mind.

That weekend belonged to Willie Mullins and his team, but hopes are high that Elliott’s decision will reap reward by being much more competitive when the two battalions renew rivalry across the water.