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Six horses who could give Gigginstown the perfect send-off in coming years

Delta Work: shouldn't be underestimated according to his trainer Gordon Elliott
Delta Work clears the final fence in the Champion Novice ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Following the shock news that Gigginstown House Stud are to wind down their operation, David Jennings picks out the horses who are most likely to give them more big-race success before the famous maroon silks disappear from the racecourse.

Tiger Roll
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: nine

He has already provided Gigginstown with their finest moment when making headlines around the world with a second successive Grand National success – the first to do so since Red Rum in 1974 – and there would be no more fitting way to mark the end of the road for the powerful owners than a history-making third victory in a row. Michael O'Leary insists Tiger Roll is unlikely to go for the National next season, with a bid for a fifth Cheltenham Festival success in the cross-country chase the preferred swansong, but some feel the temptation will ultimately prove too great. Whether the decision to wind down their operation will increase that temptation is anyone's guess, but all jump racing fans will be reluctant to rule out the possibility of Tiger Roll being at the start next April at Aintree.

Battleoverdoyen
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: six

Forget the Ballymore blowout, this is a star of the future. He beat the 127-rated hurdler Court Liability in a maiden point at Loughanmore and subsequently won a bumper, maiden hurdle and Grade 1 within the space of five weeks. Sent off favourite for what was only his third try over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival, he kept changing his legs through the first half of the race and was beaten by halfway. He is so much better than that and do not be one bit surprised to see him develop into a leading RSA contender next season. He is made for fences.

Delta Work
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: six

As short as 10-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, Delta Work was one of the most impressive winners of the week at the Punchestown festival when landing his third Grade 1 novice chase of the season. The fact he had enough pace to see off Le Richebourg over two and a half miles in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse tells you all you need to know. He is a stayer with speed who jumps slickly and he is sure to be a player in all the big staying chases next season.

Bobby Bowe, son of leading point-to-point trainer Colm show Gordon Elliott how Davy Russell had won on Delta Work
Bobby Bowe, son of leading point-to-point trainer Colin, shows Gordon Elliott how Davy Russell had won on Delta WorkCredit: Patrick McCann

Felix Desjy
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: six

Would appear as an ideal Arkle type for next season. Missed the break in the Supreme but gained compensation at Aintree and there was no shame in chasing home Klassical Dream at Punchestown. Chasing could be the making of him and he should develop into a top-class two-miler next term.

Fury Road
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: five

Although he had already won a bumper at Fairyhouse, he still looks to be learning his trade at Punchestown in what could turn out to be a hot bumper. Held in high regard by all at Cullentra House, he could be the type to prosper over hurdles next season, especially when he steps up in trip. Even that might be a bit soon so we may have to wait until the imposing son of Stowaway sees a fence before we finally get a glimpse of his full potential.

Samcro
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Age: seven

Do not give up. Of course Samcro failed to live up to expectations this season given that he was ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle last autumn, but he had a light campaign and patience could pay off next season. He looks like a chaser and, provided he takes to the game, he would appear to be a ready-made JLT winner for next season. Remember Don Cossack was considered a huge disappointment at one stage too.

Samcro (left) wins last year's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
Samcro (left) wins last year's Ballymore Novices' HurdleCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

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Published on 16 May 2019inIreland

Last updated 18:37, 17 May 2019

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