The unthinkable treble completed but still no bouquets from the boss

It seemed the perfect time and place to ask. Gordon Elliott had just done something nobody had ever done before. Not even Willie Mullins had managed to win the Royal Bond, Hatton's Grace and Drinmore in the one day. It was the unthinkable treble, yet one trainer had completed the hat-trick by a combined winning distance of just under 18 lengths.

So, Michael O'Leary, if you were to describe Gordon in one word, what would it be? "Overweight," arrived the reply. Praise and O'Leary go together like England and penalty shoot-outs. You can shoot but you will seldom score.

Back rolling again: Elliott records first treble of the new season at DownpatrickCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Look, Gordon is a very good trainer and he does well with very good horses but Willie is no slouch either," O'Leary added after the wit was out of the way. It was as good as we were going to get.