'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard
The new racing writer of the year takes a trip to Cullentra House Stables to visit his yard's great rival
It’s 1,275km from the centre of Rome to the gates of Athens. But only 109km from Closutton to Cullentra. One hour and 16 minutes with a good run.
The brief came in an email, to interview Gordon Elliott. The reminder came by text. Twice. They did ask in October, to be fair.
What do you ask Gordon Elliott that he hasn’t been asked 40 times already? Hard to know. Everyone knows where he came from, how he got here and exactly where he wants to go. The first question I asked him was whether he would do it and he said yes straight away. Gordon Elliott never has a cold. I said I’d come up after first lot, because in Closutton not even Jesus Christ at Christmas gets to come in for first lot, when Willie hasn’t even had his breakfast yet.
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Published on inPatrick Mullins
Last updated
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- No dogs chasing the horses, no trainer favouring telepathy over instructions - riding out for Harry Derham is rather different to Closutton
- Our bid for another jumps title is starting early - and I also think I was riding our next Cheltenham Gold Cup winner last season
- Drama at the Obstacle Anglais and a trip to the Infirmerie - it's just another Monday in Clairefontaine
- You’re Rachael Blackmore. You were relieved to get just one pro winner, you had to go up and down stairs on your hands and bum. But you did it all