Elliott joins elite group

Gordon Elliott this week became only the fourth trainer in the last 25 years to send out 100 winners in a jumps season in Ireland when Robin Thyme won at Punchestown under Ruby Walsh and he joined an elite group that includes Noel Meade Willie Mullins and Aidan O'Brien.

The Longwood-based trainer who won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Meath Sports Awards last month moved on to 102 winners yesterday with a double at Clonmel - De Plotting Shed and Altiepix, both ridden by Bryan Cooper.

CHELTENHAM
Elliott's Don Cossack and Meade's Road To Riches will be flying the Meath flag in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month adter 21 entries stood their ground after yesterday's deadline with the next declaration stage a week before the big race.

Don Cossack and the Willie Mullins-trained Vautour are joint-favourites for the big race on Friday 18th March - Meade's Road To Riches finished third last year.

Don Cossack will be Elliott's only runner after he took Roi Du Mee and No More Heroes out.

Don Cossack won the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles last month while Road To Riches finished second two weeks ago in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.