Gordon Elliott's redemption arc could be completed with Gold Cup glory

One can only imagine what must have been going through Gordon Elliott’s head this time last year, as images emerged on social media showing the celebrated trainer straddling a dead horse in his yard whilst on the phone. It was a photograph that sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, with many aghast at the actions of such a renowned figure in the sport.

One can only imagine what must have been going through Gordon Elliott’s head this time last year, as images emerged on social media showing the celebrated trainer straddling a dead horse in his yard whilst on the phone. It was a photograph that sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, with many aghast at the actions of such a renowned figure in the sport.

Elliott was rightly issued a ban, and he has felt the consequences sharply. Many of his top horses were shipped off to rival trainers for last year’s Cheltenham Festival, with the Irishman forced to watch on as many of them claimed victory for others. That would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Elliott, especially after earning seven wins himself at the Festival in 2020.

With the 2022 Cheltenham Festival fast approaching, Elliott has served his ban and is now back in the mix for glory at Prestbury Park. Yes, his reputation was damaged by the photograph and subsequent suspension, but his quest now is to regain the trust of horse racing fans everywhere, and winning is the best way to do that.

Elliott’s quest is one of redemption, and having already enjoyed some success in various races since his return, there is a very real chance that a strong performance in the Cheltenham Festival would see his champion status fully restored. Indeed, what better race to do it in than the Gold Cup, where Galvin has emerged as a contender in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting to land the coveted prize.

There are plenty of reasons to fancy Galvin for the Gold Cup, not least due to his sensational triumph over A Plus Tard in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown back in December. A Plus Tard is currently the favourite for the day four feature race, so having a horse who knows what it takes to beat him is a clear advantage for Elliott.

It’s been a strong couple of years all round for Galvin, having won seven of his eight races since July 2020. The highlight was undoubtedly his victory in the Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup

Novices' Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, and although that win came under the guidance of Ian Ferguson due to Elliott’s ban, it still demonstrated that this is a horse with the potential to win big races. “That’s unbelievable,” Elliott said after Galvin’s victory in the Savills Chase. “I had a tear in my eye for half the race, I’m not afraid to say it. We’ve had a tough year and it’s brilliant,” said Elliott. “We started off having a bit of fun around Perth with him and he hasn’t let us down the whole way. That’s 12 races he’s won now and he’s a horse of a lifetime.

“The way he stays, if he can get into a rhythm anywhere at all, I wouldn’t care if he was first or last going out on the last circuit, he’ll come very strong in the Gold Cup.”

Were Galvin to deliver the goods at Cheltenham, then you can imagine Elliott would be even more emotional. It’s been a rocky year for the Irishman, but the chance of redemption stands as the glimmering prize ahead of this year’s Gold Cup.