‘I’ll never train another like him’ – Gordon Elliott is bullish about his Cheltenham Nap

Gordon Elliott is having a much better season this time around and has maintained a lead over Willie Mullins in the Irish trainers’ championship. Wodhooh was his only winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year but it could be a very different story this time around. He picked out one particular horse as his best chance of the week in a Q & A with the Racing Post and he holds a very high opinion of him. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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‘I’ll never train another in my lifetime’

Teahupoo won the Stayers’ Hurdle back in 2024 but lost the title to course specialist Bob Olinger last year. He has been in excellent form so far this season, winning the Hatton’s Grace before going in again at Leopardstown over Christmas, and currently heads the market.

Elliott said: “My best chance of the week has got to be Teahupoo. He’s a legend and he seems in better form now than ever before. He’s flying. He’s just so consistent, he never lets us down, and it will take a good one to beat him in the Stayers’ Hurdle.”

The County Meath-based trainer also suggested that Teahupoo is the most talented hurdler he has ever trained, which is some compliment. He added: “He always runs his race and is just so consistent with everything he does. I’d say I’ll never train another Teahupoo in my lifetime.”

15:20

Cheltenham

Teahupoo

Analysis

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Handicapper to follow

Staffordshire Knot is expected to run well off a big weight in the Pertemps Final. The trainer said: “Don’t forget Staffordshire Knot in the Pertemps Final. I know he could end up having top weight, but I had a look through it the other day and it doesn’t look like a great race at all. Sire Du Berlais carried a big weight on the way to winning it and this chap could do likewise. He’s a big price.

16:40

Cheltenham

Staffordshire Knot

Analysis

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