THROUGH tears, Gordon Elliott vowed “I won’t lie down” after a “heartbreaking” week at Cheltenham.
The Irish trainer had been frustrated for much of St Patrick’s week and had to wait until the final day for a winner.
Elliott was moved to tears after the race[/caption]
It ended on a high as Wodhooh came out on top in the Martin Pope Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle on Friday.
It was the Meath man’s fourth success in the race which was named after the former trainer Martin Pipe.
It was also vindication after a number of near misses, including The Yellow Clay in the Turners’ Novices Hurdle and Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle, among others.
The emotional was on display as Elliott spoke to RacingTV, as he broke off on a number of occasions to recover his composure.
He said: “We’ve had a brilliant week. It’s heartbreaking for all my staff, my owners…I am a strong man, I love training horses. The owners, the staff…”
He was able to gather enough composure to reflect on the dream end to a frustrating Festival.
He said: “She’s owned by a lot of good friends of mine.
“There is going to be great celebrations in the ring. You’ll see them all, you’ll know a lot of them.
“This is special. We have had a real tough week. All the horses have run well.
“To finish the race like this, to win the Martin Pipe, he is my hero.
“I have to thank all my staff, all the owners who have stuck by me.
“We have had a tough week but I won’t lie down.”
Fans were instantly taken by his emotion and passion.
Diarmuid said: “Beautifully emotional from Gordon. It’s a long week when it doesn’t go right. Cheltenham just means so much.”
Jamie posted: “Get in there, Gordon! Lumped in the Mare in the last, and she’s saved the week!”
A third fan said: “Well done Gordon. Has been unlucky this week. Love to see the passion.”
Michael said: “Emotional stuff from @gelliott_racing
“So glad he bagged his winner today in his fav race”
