Sport

Five Gordon Elliott horses to follow at Cheltenham

Published

3 months ago

February 6, 2026

The battle for supremacy at the Cheltenham Festival is always an interesting one and the balance of power fluctuates significantly throughout the years.

Willie Mullins has been the main man for a while, but Gordon Elliott has been in sensational form and will be hoping to eclipse him this year.

With that in mind, we’ve selected five ante-post Cheltenham tips from the Gordon Elliott yard.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – El Cairos @ 5/1

El Cairos cost a whopping £410,000 at the sales and it’s fair to say that trainer and jockey have been impressed with what they have seen so far.

Jack Kennedy says that the gelding is the fastest horse he has sat on during his time with Elliott, which is some statement! He looked like the winner when falling at the last in a maiden hurdle over Christmas and he looks set to get off the mark soon.

Currently second favourite for the Supreme at Cheltenham, he appears to have all the tools required to run a big race, if reaching his full potential. He stays well and clearly has the gears to match.

Turners Novices’ Hurdle – Skylight Hustle @ 12/1

Brian Acheson has been a big supporter of Elliott over the years and the pair have got a very smart prospect on their hands here.

Skylight Hustle absolutely bolted up in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and the longer the race went on, the more dominant he became.

He was perhaps a little fortunate to win a Grade 1 over two miles at Leopardstown after that as Talk The Talk looked like the winner before falling at the last. Nevertheless, he stayed on well and could improve significantly when going up in trip.

Mares’ Hurdle – Wodhooh @ 13/8

The potential absence of Lossiemouth leaves the door open for Wodhooh to take full advantage. Winning nine of her 10 starts under rules, the ultra-consistent daughter of Le Havre’s only defeat came at the hands of Mullins’ grey in the Aintree Hurdle.

Only Brighterdaysahead can offer a similar level of form, but she could go elsewhere and tends to underperform at Cheltenham. That can’t be said of Wodhooh though, as she won the Martin Pipe here last season and is more than capable of coming out on top.

Stayers’ Hurdle – Teahupoo @ 7/4

Previous Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo finished second behind Bob Olinger in this race last year, but, having run over Christmas this year, he should be much sharper and is well set to gain his revenge on Bob Olinger.

Elliott’s nine-year-old began the season with a narrow victory in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, his third success in the Grade 1 contest.

He went to Leopardstown for the Christmas Hurdle next time and went on to score by a comfortable margin.

Ryanair Chase – Romeo Coolio @ 20/1

This one is potentially a little speculative and somewhat optimistic, as Elliott doesn’t like running novices in open company, but Romeo Coolio is a very talented horse and is much better over 2m4f than he is over two miles these days.

The death of the 2m4f Grade 1 novice chase is a massive inconvenience for him, but the Ryanair looks unusually open this year.

If a novice is going to win it, it could be this year and Romeo Coolio is certainly good enough to make his presence felt.

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

6 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

1 day ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

2 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.