Cheltenham Festival news: Gordon Elliott claims eighth winner with Blow By Blow

The seven-year-old made all the running in the hands of Donagh Meyler to complete a double on the card for Elliott following the victory of Farclas in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The 11/1 shot was also a seventh winner at the meeting for owners Gigginstown House Stud, while it meant Elliott finished the week as the leading trainer, edging out Irish compatriot Willie Mullins 8-7. He also won the top trainer title in 2017 on count-back.

Paul Nolan's Discorama came from out of the pack to claim second place, five lengths behind the winner. Joseph O'Brien's Early Doors was a length and a quarter away in third, with another Elliott runner, Sire Du Berlais, fourth as Irish horses took the first four places.

Elliott said: "He got a soft lead and fair play to the horse, he was a Grade One winner. He looked well-handicapped, but I thought the ground was too soft for him.

"What a week - to have eight winners. I can't believe it. We can enjoy it now."

Meyler said: "He was keen to the second and I got a soft lead out in front, but the horse was a Grade One bumper winner at Punchestown and it stood him in good stead.

"He was in his own comfort zone the whole way and I was able to fill him up. It made a big difference to get up that hill. They came at me from the second-last but the horse stuck his head out.

"It's great. I'm stuck for words."

Related links

• Free horse racing betting tips
• Latest racecards and video form
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Going updates
• Latest Naps Table
• ABC Guide