Gordon Elliott is one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing and will be hoping to add to his impressive Cheltenham Festival record this week
Gordon Elliott is heading to the Cheltenham Festival this week with high hopes for his roster of Irish raiders.
Despite often being overshadowed by fellow Irishman Willie Mullins at the Festival, Elliott was crowned the event’s top trainer in 2017, only seven years ago, a title he successfully defended in 2018.
His consistently impressive roster and passion for the Grand National have seen him amass an astonishing amount of prize money since obtaining his trainer’s license in 2006 and relocating to Cullentra House in 2011.
As the 47-year-old is likely to field a variety of contenders at the significant March meeting once again, we delve into Elliott’s net worth and career earnings over what has been a prominent career so far.
What is Gordon Elliott’s net worth?
Although Elliott’s exact net worth remains undisclosed, if his winnings since 2006 are any indication, then the 47-year-old’s wealth is probably a staggering sum. According to At The Races, Elliott has won approximately £33million in prize money over nearly two decades.
Cullentra Bloodstock Ltd also reported profits of a neat £350,000 in 2022 – a company he solely owns. Most of his success has been achieved in Ireland, where he saddled 207 winners last season and earned just under £4m, his second-highest total ever, trailing only his remarkable 2017-18 year.
Elliott’s trips to Aintree for the Grand National have been notably successful. He has won the iconic race, which now boasts a £500k prize for the winner, three times – once with Silver Birch in 2007 and twice with the legendary Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. Last season, he bagged a cool £1.6m from British wins alone, reports the Irish Mirror.
How many wins does Gordon Elliott have at the Festival?
When it comes to Cheltenham Festival, Elliott has an impressive record of 40 victories, placing him joint-fourth on the all-time list. He trails only Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, and rival Mullins.
Nicholls’ record of 49 wins seems set to be overtaken by Elliott, who boasts a currently classier yard and the advantage of youth. Elliott’s first win came in 2011 when Chicago Grey clinched the National Hunt Chase.
Seven years later, with numerous wins under his belt, he enjoyed his best year to date, finishing top in eight races. In 2024, he took home three wins, and this upcoming renewal looks set to be another successful one for the Elliott team.
Who are Gordon Elliott’s live chances this year?
As for the Festival in 2025, the Meath trainer is set to unleash his powerful prospects this week, with none looking more promising than last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo.
Robcour’s eight-year-old gelding is set to defend his crown after a commendable performance in the 2m4f Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, where he finished second to Mullins mare Lossiemouth.
The son of Masked Marvel is returning to a longer trip, which he prefers, and if he’s on top form, few will be able to challenge him. Another horse that has impressed this season is the formidable mare Brighterdayshead.
The six-year-old has only once failed to finish first in her career – when she was narrowly beaten by Golden Ace in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival last year – but her progress since then has been remarkable.
Gigginstown’s star began this campaign with a strong performance at Down Royal before heading to Punchestown and the Morgiana Hurdle, where it was expected that the reigning Champion Hurdle winner, State Man, would triumph. However, Brighterdayshead rallied to win by three-quarters of a length, and her next two-mile run was spectacular.
Her victory in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle, where she beat Mullins’ star hurdler by 30 lengths, has led her connections to choose the Champion Hurdle route this week. She’ll face off against the undefeated Constitution Hill in what is set to be one of the Festival’s highlight races.
Aside from Elliott’s two star performers, promising novices The Yellow Clay and Romeo Coolio are also expected to put up a strong challenge in their respective races, where they are currently among the favourites.
