Champagne Classic's win under J J Slevin gives Gordon Elliott trainers title at Cheltenham
Thursday 1 February 2018 14:23, UK
Gordon Elliott secured the Cheltenham Festival's Irish Independent Leading Trainer Award when Champagne Classic won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle.
The 12/1 winner, ridden by JJ Slevin, gave Elliott a sixth winner of the week and brought him level with Willie Mullins with one race to go.
But, with Elliott having had more runner-up finishes and Mullins without a runner in the Grand Annual, the County Meath trainer could not be passed at the top of the standings.
Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Slevin's mount was in front at the last and went on to score by two and a quarter lengths from Verni (25/1), with Runfordave (9/1), a stablemate of the winner, a length and a quarter back in third.
Coo Star Sivola (13/2) stuck on for fourth under Lizzie Kelly ahead of Thomas Campbell.
Elliott said: "It's been an amazing week. To beat Willie, with the strength he has - and he's an amazing trainer - is brilliant. It's a credit to the staff and the owners, I'm part of a team so we'll enjoy it.
"Coming over I was hoping for one and we won the first race with Labaik so everything else has been a bonus.
"It's unbelievable, we had three winners Tuesday and had a bit of a drink, too much so we haven't touched a drop since. When we get home next week we'll have a staff party.
"Apple's Jade winning was sweet, Cause Of Causes was special but winning the Martin Pipe race is great."
Winning owner Michael O'Leary said: "I think that was miraculous as he's probably the worst horse we own, but it will mean more to Gordon as this is a race he's always wanted to win because he's very close to Martin.
"When you buy in numbers there some are duds and he's one of them! The jockey gave him a great ride.
"We should be very grateful and very humble, it's great for Gordon and young JJ Slevin, he's ridden a couple of winners for us."
