Shattered Love takes off as O'Leary and co continue to fly high

The maroon and white silks of Michael O'Leary's racing and breeding operation Gigginstown House Stud have become almost as familiar a sight as the Irish tricolour at the festival, and they were in the winner's enclosure for the third time this week thanks to the impressive Shattered Love.

Bettering that was successful trainer Gordon Elliott, who was recording his fourth strike of the meeting. Elliott was to immediately make it five in the next race, while O'Leary's day – and week – was to be capped when he finally won his own money back in the Ryanair Chase.

First up, though, was Shattered Love in the JLT Novices' Chase, a third win of the week for jockey Jack Kennedy, who again earned praise for his style, skill and coolness in the saddle after his willing partner drew clear of 3-1 favourite Terrerfort to claim a seven-length verdict.

Sent off a 4-1 shot, Shattered Love already had a Grade 1 on her CV courtesy of her win in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

She now has two, and a trip to the Punchestown festival could be next, Elliott indicated, while O'Leary said: "She's terrific. She's built like a gelding and is a great jumper, and Jack gave her a peach of a ride.

"The 7lb mares' allowance, which I don't always agree with, was very helpful. She won though and I'm very happy to take it when it works in our favour.

"She beat [impressive RSA winner] Presenting Percy at Punchestown earlier in the season; she's just a very good mare."

The owner continued: "It's another brilliant training performance by Gordon, who's done terrifically well. It's wonderful having good mares like her and Apple's Jade. To take on the geldings and win today is terrific, a wonderful day."

O'Leary's day was to get even more wonderful, as was his trainer's, and Elliott was lukewise purring about Shattered Love.

He said: "Gigginstown buy big staying chasers and she's a big girl. I just closed my eyes when she made that mistake at the last, but luckily enough she got away with it and I knew all she'd do is stay.

"I wasn't sure she'd be good enough to win; I thought she'd be placed, so it's brilliant. Any day you have a winner in Cheltenham is great."

The high-flying Kennedy, briefly leading rider of Cheltenham 2018 after the JLT, was happy to play down his starring role.

"It's a big team effort," said the teenager, who also has the pleasure and pressure of being Samcro's jockey.

"So it's thanks to them as well. I'm still a bit inexperienced around the track, but when you're riding good horses it makes it a whole lot easier."

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