Elliott sets strong pace in title race but Mullins well placed to challenge

From the moment it was announced Willie Mullins had lost the support of Gigginstown House Stud, resulting in the removal of 60 horses from his yard, it was apparent the complexion of the trainers' championship for the 2016-17 season had altered. But to what extent?

Champion for the first-time in the 2000-01 season, interrupting a sequence established by eight-time title-holder Noel Meade, Mullins has reigned supreme for the past nine seasons. He ended last season with 185 domestic wins and total Irish prize-money of almost €4.5 million. Runner-up Gordon Elliott recorded a seasonal best of 123 wins, with total prize-money in excess of €2.5m.

At the time the Gigginstown horses left Closutton, Elliott was already setting a strong early pace for the season with a powerful squad of summer jumpers.