Gordon Elliott benefitted hugely from the Gigginstown split from Willie Mullins, to the extent that initial reactions were that it would make him a big threat to the Mullins’ trainers’ title chance. Things settled down to a more normal appearance over the Christmas with Willie’s amazing 22 winners. What was obvious was that Gordon has the numbers, Willie has the star horses and that’s what counts as the big meetings of the season come upon us.

Elliott must also look at Ryanair Hurdle winner Petit Mouchoir as one that got away, and twice at that, given that he had trained him for Gigginstown as a four-year-old to win the Goffs Land Rover at Punchestown before Willie trained him for his novice hurdle campaign.

The week at saw very much recent order restored. Those who had got excited over the trainer’s title battle may need to rein in for a time. Willie inevitably gets better as the season goes on.

Herculean task

You won’t have much call to question Willie Mullins’ decisions but it was interesting to see Black Hercules pitched into the Grade 1 two-mile race against Douvan at Leopardstown. He has won over three miles over hurdles and a listed chase over the same distance. He was put up as Patrick Mullins’ National Hunt Chase ride in some quarters until switched to the JLT Novices over two and a half at the Festival, which he won very well.

He didn’t run badly on Tuesday in a race he didn’t appear to have much chance in and remains an interesting horse, back up in trip, for whatever plan Willie has in mind.

Full marks Today FM

Having criticised some of the radio racing coverage recently, the Christmas period saw a huge improvement.

The daily sports bulletins on Today FM all week, led by John Duggan, were excellent in detailing all the racing action, before and after. The meetings, the principal races, off times, favourites, and detailed reviews of the main races, were carried on most hourly sports bulletins. RTE TV also gave plenty of time to the Leopardstown and Limerick action.

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Graham Cunningham @gcunning12

Ever been a horse who would be fav for so many Festival races as Crackthistle were they his main objective?

Ross Moynihan @rossmoyno7

By God I can’t wait for the rematch #Altior #Min

@VroumVroumMag @VroumVroumMag

Just gobbled up the last mince pie from Willies cupboard, early to bed ready to show the boys how it’s done tomorrow! #vroumvroum

Brett Wilkinson @brett1892

Vroum Vroum Mag just gets hoyed in any race, any distance, any ground, any track and pretty much bosses it!

Douvan @RealDouvan

It’s mad that the only person NOT following me on here is Sizing John

#BigD #TeamMullins

Kevin Blake @kevinblake2011

Good God I don’t think I’ve ever given a horse such a roar over the last! Great to see him back to form, the divil. #thepolinator

Brian @BDMotherway

Seems few people not happy with result of G1 hurdle. IMO good ride from BC on Petit Mouchoir. If u think horse is able don’t let Ruby dictate