'He was a real favourite' - Elliott pays tribute to Galway Plate hero Borice

Gordon Elliott has paid tribute to 2019 Galway Plate winner Borice after the nine-year-old died following a short battle with colic on Wednesday, describing him as "a real yard favourite".

The Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned performer, who had previously been thought of as a potential Randox Grand National candidate, provided jockey Luke Dempsey with one of his biggest career successes when landing the €300,000 Tote-backed prize last July.

The 146-rated chaser was then pointed towards the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November when finishing mid-field as a 12-1 chance, before last seen pulling up in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran in January.

Borice: carried the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede for Gordon ElliottCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott said a Ballybrit repeat bid had been in the offing for the horse formerly trained in France by Francois Nicolle before he was taken ill on Wednesday morning.

"It's very unfortunate," said the trainer. "He was a real favourite in the yard, a big, gentle horse.

"The plan had been for him to go back to the Galway Plate again this year but unfortunately he got a colic this morning."

Having failed to make an impact when apparently fancied on his first two starts for Elliott in major handicap chases, the leading trainer got Borice's confidence up with 33-length and 34-length wins over hurdles at Uttoxeter and Perth before landing the Galway highlight.

Borice is all smiles after landing thetote.com Galway Plate last JulyCredit: Patrick McCann

"It took him a little while to settle in but it was great to win a Galway Plate with him," said Elliott of the horse cared for by groom Darren Treacy.

"A big thanks goes to Simon Munir and Isaac Souede for sending the horse to us. It's tough on the staff because he was a real yard favourite."

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