Top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott reveals positive COVID-19 test and to self-isolate during busy festive racing period

TOP Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has tested positive for COVID-19.

The 42-year-old revealed the news on Irish TV after his star Zanahiyr won a Grade 2 at Leopardstown.

Elliott is asymptomatic but will have to self-isolate

Elliott’s team will be busy over the festive period with stars such as Samcro, Felix Desjy, Preseting Percy and Sire Du Berlais all set to run.

But the master-trainer will only be able to watch on from the sidelines.

He said on RTE: “As part of the recommended return from travel 5 day test, I have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“It’s come as a bug surprise as I’ve been asymptomatic and I will now continue to self-isolate for a further ten days.

“Since the test result has come back, we have had all the staff here at Cullentra tested.

“Thankfully all tests have come back negative.”

Elliott’s Zanahiyr further showed why he sits at the top of the betting for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The three-year-old was trimmed into 11-4 from 4-1 jolly for the race after his impressive Leopardstown win by four lengths.

Jockey Jack Kennedy said: “It was a great performance from him.

“It was a completely opposite race to last time at Fairyhouse, we went very steady and he still won so it just shows that he can do it any way.

“I think Quilixios is very good but this horse might edge it over him.”

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