Elliott ‘very happy’ with leading Festival hopes after Navan gallop

Gordon Elliott expressed himself pleased with how some of his major Cheltenham Festival contenders worked after racing at Navan on Sunday.

A talented team which included Brighterdaysahead, Teahupoo, The Wallpark and Romeo Coolio enjoyed a day out at the County Meath track, where Elliott had earlier posted a treble.

Connections are still to decide whether Brighterdaysahead will bid for Champion Hurdle glory or go for the Mares’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park, but she was reported in rude health whatever ends up the target.

Teahupoo is on course to defend his Stayers’ Hurdle crown and could be joined by The Wallpark in that contest, while Romeo Coolio is a leading fancy for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Elliott said: “It is a day away just to get a blow into them. The mare (Brighterdaysahead), very happy with her – very happy with them all. Sam (Ewing) rode the mare.

“Romeo Coolio was Jake Coen and galloped well. We gave him a little break after his last run, he got a bit light so he will come on from it.

“Wodhooh and Pied Piper galloped well. Jody McGarvey rode Wodhooh, who galloped very well.

“Danny Gilligan was very happy with Teahupoo. The Wallpark was good with Carl (Millar).

“Jalon D’oudairies, who was third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, galloped very well, happy with him. He’ll go back to Cheltenham. Harry Swan rode him.

“They did a mile and six (furlongs) and got a good blow.”