Elliott Considers Irish Point as a Contender for Champion Hurdle
Gordon Elliott is keen to give Irish Point a shot at the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival following the exclusion of Constitution Hill.
The trainer had initially intended to enter the grey in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle after an impressive performance in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle over nearly three miles shortly after Christmas.
As Constitution Hill had been a frontrunner in the Champion Hurdle market due to a dominant performance last year, Elliott had planned to avoid that race and capitalise on Irish Point’s stamina in the Stayers’ Hurdle. However, with the official announcement that Constitution Hill will be absent from the Cheltenham Festival, Elliott now faces a rethink and is contemplating taking on the new odds-on favourite for the Champion Hurdle, State Man, trained by Willie Mullins.
“I’m eager to field him,”
Elliott informed Racing TV.
“State Man will be a tough competitor to beat, but I’d rather challenge him at Cheltenham than at Punchestown or Leopardstown. He’s the standout favourite and appears to have a strong chance, but I want to pit Irish Point against him.
“If Lossiemouth doesn’t participate, we may find ourselves as the second favourite. I’ll have a discussion with Brian (Acheson of owners Robcour) in the morning to review the options, but I'm inclined to run him. He's a top-notch horse and I believe he will deliver a stellar performance. The course suits him, and the softer ground should also work in his favour.
“While the favourite is formidable, I am not one to shy away from a challenge. With relatively few races under his belt, I think this setup could suit him well, and I am eager to see him in action.”
Elliott also shared his empathy for Nicky Henderson, who experienced a setback with Festival hopeful Firm Footings being sidelined for the rest of the season.
Elliott recognised the disappointment felt by owners and stable staff at this time of the year, acknowledging that Henderson must be particularly disheartened given he had the favourite for the Champion Hurdle.