Gordon Elliott reveals early-season plans for big guns - including Ireland's new kid on the chasing block

Danny Gilligan: celebrates after winning the Galway Plate on the fast-improving Western Fold

Western Fold: Galway Plate hero has won four in a rowCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The rapidly improving Western Fold could step into the big boys' league at Down Royal next month, with Gordon Elliott considering a crack at the Ladbrokes Champion Chase for his Galway Plate winner.

Elliott has won the first Grade 1 of the Irish jumps season five times, most recently with Gerri Colombe in 2023, and the new kid on the chasing block in Ireland could rock up in it on the first day of November provided the ground doesn't get too soft.

Western Fold made it four in a row over fences in the Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park on Saturday, when Danny Gilligan didn't have to get serious in securing an emphatic four-and-a-quarter-length victory over Affordale Fury, with Blood Destiny back in third.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 7 October 2025inIreland

Last updated 14:00, 7 October 2025

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