Cheltenham faithful may turn to cross-country king Gordon Elliott again in search for early Christmas gifts
Ho, ho, ho. With Christmas adverts aplenty already on ITV, it is that time of year when the channel welcomes back a familiar troop renowned for spreading joy on their fanciful journey.
No, not Santa's reindeer dropping off presents at every home but the Cheltenham cross-country horses darting from hedge to bush, ditch to cheese wedges, depositing nothing but the occasional jockey.
The man playing Father Christmas at the moment, at least as far as punters is concerned, is Gordon Elliott, who won an astonishing 11 of the 14 races at the Down Royal festival last week – when, remarkably, there was actually a sense of disappointment that he did not go through the card on either of the two days.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
- 12.45 Windsor: 'I did well there in the past' - Alan King optimistic with Helnwein as jump racing returns
- 2.55 Navan: Potters Party a big player with track, trip and ground all set to suit in competitive handicap chase
- The next Samcro or Sir Gerhard could be on show at Navan and trainers out to create history at Windsor
- 1.55 Windsor: How big a threat is this unexposed Venetia Williams chaser? Analysis and trainer quotes for staying handicap
- Crowds expected to flock to Windsor as jump racing returns to Thameside venue for the first time since 2005
- 12.45 Windsor: 'I did well there in the past' - Alan King optimistic with Helnwein as jump racing returns
- 2.55 Navan: Potters Party a big player with track, trip and ground all set to suit in competitive handicap chase
- The next Samcro or Sir Gerhard could be on show at Navan and trainers out to create history at Windsor
- 1.55 Windsor: How big a threat is this unexposed Venetia Williams chaser? Analysis and trainer quotes for staying handicap
- Crowds expected to flock to Windsor as jump racing returns to Thameside venue for the first time since 2005