Elliott & Jefferson continue to churn out the winners

Despite suffering a reversal with Apple's Jade in the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal, Gordon Elliott had another very good day at the office with the Grand National winning trainer sending out another four winners. Monbeg Notorious may have been a fortunate winner in the opening maiden hurdle because stablemate The Storyteller appeared to be travelling better when crashing out at the penultimate flight. The Gigginstown House Stud owned winner will be more at home on a galloping track.

I thought the same owner's Petit Mouchoir ran an eyecatching race to say the least in the aforementioned Graded hurdle. Given a patient ride by David Mullins, the grey spoilt his chance with an indifferent jump at the last but, even allowing for that, he would have gone very close with a more positive ride. Rated 147 over hurdles, he looks to have unfinished business over the smaller obstacles before his attentions are turned to fences. There is a big prize to be won with him.

Malcolm Jefferson was responsible for the first two winners at Hexham with Kelka and Ryedale Racer winning by 17 and 36 lengths respectively. The Malton trainer is in tremendous form at present with four winners from his last six runners.

As discussed, I am currently working on the Update for next week's Cheltenham Open meeting (formerly the Paddy Power Festival) and I am delighted to say it will include an interview with leading owner Grahame Whateley. Grahame's two shades of blue silks have been seen in the winners' enclosure already this season thanks to the likes of Diamond King, Garde La Victoire, Jetstream Jack, Resolution Bay and Rock The Kasbah etc. I am sure subscribers will find it very informative.