Chosen Mate continues magical week for Gordon Elliott as he breezes to Grand Annual success
CHOSEN MATE gave Gordon Elliott a seventh victory at this year's Festival when a smooth winner of the Grand Annual.
The 7-2 favourite tanked into contention under Davy Russell and stormed clear to win comfortably.
On a day of Irish domination, the money came for the seven-year-old, who warmed up for Cheltenham with a bloodless win at Gowran.
There were several still in contention turning for home, but the eye was drawn to a motionless Russell, who produced his mount to lead approaching the last.
He was scruffy at the final obstacle but was gathered up and well on top at the line, with Eclair De Beaufeu and Us And Them filling the places.
Paul Nicholls' Greaneteen ran on for fourth, but this was a one horse race.
Elliott said: "He definitely could win a graded race.
"I said if you can get him in a rhythm over his first four fences he will win. Thankfully he won.
"Robbie Power was going to ride him, but then Davy decided he wanted to ride him and I'm thrilled he rode him, as he is a brilliant jockey and I'm lucky to have him."