Countdown to Cheltenham: Festival conundrum for Gordon Elliott owners; Thistlecrack retired

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The Gordon Elliott story continues to evolve at pace and the major development on Monday was the news that the BHA have banned the trainer from having runners in Britain while an Irish investigation into a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse is carried out.

As far as implications for Cheltenham go, talk of a swift conclusion to the IHRB investigation means it could be wrapped up before the start of the meeting, but there’s every chance that the sanctions dished out by either the British or Irish authorities could see Elliott’s horses ruled out of the Festival anyway. 

Alternatively, the BHA added that it would allow horses currently trained by Elliott to run at meetings under its jurisdiction if they are transferred to another yard first. 

That leaves the likes of Chevely Park - who own Envoi Allen, Ballyadam, Quilixios and Sir Gerhard - with a decision to make.

Gigginstown, whose horses include Tiger Roll and Abacadabras, said on Monday that they would continue to support Elliott, though that statement came prior to the BHA ruling. 

Sams Profile out of Stayers 

Galmoy Hurdle winner Sams Profile has been ruled out of Cheltenham after suffering a setback. 

The seven-year-old missed the whole of last season and began this year as a novice chaser before being switched back to smaller obstacles and his Grade 2 win at Gowran Park had marked him out as a dark horse for the Stayers’ Hurdle Festival. 

“He’s picked up a hind leg infection, so he won’t be ready for Cheltenham,” said trainer Mouse Morris.

“It’s disappointing, because he was going there with a chance, but that’s just the way he is - he’s that type of horse (that picks up problems).

Festival hero Thistlecrack retired 

Speaking of the Stayers’ Hurdle, a brilliant former winner was retired yesterday as trainer Colin Tizzard called time on Thistlecrack’s glistening career.

The 13-year-old bolted up in the 2016 renewal and went on to win the King George VI Chase as a novice the following season but was then ruled out of the Gold Cup after suffering an injury.

Fitness problems plagued the rest of his career but Tizzard reflected on his peak yesterday. 

“Thistlecrack had two seasons where he was almost unbeatable,” the trainer said. “All these big races [he won] just reel off, he was a brilliant horse. He’s still in the yard now but he won’t run again. He’ll have a lovely, happy retirement.”

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