Lack of variety reinforced but Gordon Elliott's fine feats are lost as a result

A week ago, we flagged how the increasing lack of variety in the upper echelons of the jumps scene was reflected in the trends of the three Grade 1s on Fairyhouse’s marquee winter spread.

Sunday’s fixture served to exacerbate that reality further, with Gordon Elliott combining with Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown firm to plunder all three events. Having made our point, we won’t unnecessarily labour it now.

However, the one observation worth adding after the event is that the familiarity of the storylines will have duly played a part in the manner in which the occasion was sidelined in the broader sporting media coverage.