Elliott and Cromwell on a high as Cheltenham ends well for Meath trainers

Gordon Elliott and Gavin Cromwell brought their Cheltenham Festival 2024 tally to five winners between them as Stellar Story, Limerick Lace and Better Days Ahead all scored in heavy conditions today.

The final day of the Festival was dominated by Willie Mullins again as he scored three more winners to bring his overall Cheltenham festival tally to 103 as Galopin des Champs headlined the Festival by retaining the Gold Cup with a sensational performance.

Elliott's magnificent Gerri Colombe was Galopin des Champs closest challenger, just three and a half lengths back in second with fast finishing Grand National winner Corach Rambler staying on for third.

Elliott was delighted with his second place finisher.

“My horse ran a great race and I’m very proud of him. He was up against a superstar. It’s always disappointing when you lose, but the horse that beat him is exceptional,” said the Summerhill man.

There was nothing disappointing for Elliott in the preceding race, the Albert Bartlett as Sam Ewing gave Stellar Story a superb ride.

The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, made his bid for home and held the advantage running down to the last, but the six-year-old got in tight and gave Ewing and Stellar Story a glimmer of hope and they took full advantage, rallying to reel in the brave runner-up in the shadow of the post.

Elliott admitted he thought Stellar Story’s odds were generous.

“To be honest we thought he was overpriced, we knew he’d love the ground and he’s as tough as old nails," said the Cullentra House boss.

“He stayed very well and Sam was good and positive. We were probably a little bit fortunate that the second horse missed the last as we’ve collared him on the line, but it was brilliant. I knew he was getting there, I just didn’t think he was getting there in time.

“To tell you the honest truth, I wasn’t going to run him. I was going to run Croke Park in the race and he was lame on Wednesday morning, so I brought this horse over late. I was going to send him to Aintree for a three-mile hurdle, so it shows what I know.

“He was bought to be a big chaser, that’s what he is. He’s a lovely horse.

“Sam is a big part of the team and I’m delighted for him,” concluded Elliott.

Elliott's Search For Glory was seventh with John McConnell's Dripsey Moon ninth at odds of 200/1.

The smile on Elliott's face was as wide as it has ever been at Cheltenham when he saddled Better Days Ahead to win the Martin Pipe, a race named after his hero, and for owners Noel and Valerie Moran who roared home their first winner at the Festival.

"I got as big a kick out of that as I have out of any winner this week," admitted Elliott.

"To win the Martin Pipe is great, he is my idol in life.

"For Noel and Valerie Moran of Bective Stud (it's great). They're sponsors of my yard, they're one of my biggest supporters, I'm very, very good friends with them.

"They sponsor Meath football, they're massive people for sport in Meath, so to have their first Cheltenham winner is unbelievable, what they do for my yard is unbelievable.

"No people deserve it more. They put so much money into the game and for what they do for me and for Meath football, I'm absolutely delighted.

"They have been so good to me. I've been trying to get them a Cheltenham winner and we have hit the crossbar. They are really going to enjoy this, they are brilliant people," said Elliott.

Gavin Cromwell's second winner of the Festival came in the penultimate race when Limerick Lace held on to hold off of JP McManus's other horse Dinoblue.

"She showed a bit of heart and I'm delighted for Keith (Donoghue), he's a big part of the team and it's well deserved,"said Cromwell.

"He gave her a lovely ride and he turned it into a good test and she stayed going well. She was genuine, she was in front from a long way out and she had to battle.

"She is well improved compared to what she used to be like, she used to be a madam. She showed guts and determination.

"She's a full sister to Inothewayurthinkin that won last night, I don't know have many done that to have a full brother and sister win at the same festival.

"It's brilliant to train winners for JP McManus, fantastic, I can't say enough."

Elliott's Riviere D'etel was sixth in the Bective Stud colours, while stablemate Harmonya Maker was three lengths back in seventh.

Oristown trainer Michael Mulvany saddled the only Meath runner in the opening raced on Friday, but despite a bright start by Fratas he quickly weakened and pulled up at the last.

In the County Hurdle Elliott hit the post again as Pied Piper settled for third at odds of 14/1 behind the winner Absurded for Mullins.

Elliott's other entries Samui, By Your Side, Media Naranja and King of Kingsfield finished ninth, 10th, 12th and 14th respectively.

In the St James's Place Cup Elliott's Samcro pulled up despite being in touch throughout before fading four out.