Elliott strikes another Blow as Meyler wins 'the boys race'

Blow By Blow gave trainer Gordon Elliott his eighth winner at this week's Cheltenham Festival when defying top weight in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

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.

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 next 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."