Johnson backs Elliott for title challenge Richard Johnson feels Gordon Elliott can prove a formidable opponent to Willie Mullins' domination as champion jumps trainer following his incredible six-timer at Navan. Elliott stretched his prize-money lead over Mullins in the title race with a sensational sextet at accumulative odds of almost 41,277-1. The Cullentra handler began the afternoon almost €400,000 clear of perennial champion Mullins, who had the other winner on the card, and shows no sign of slowing down. Paddy Power reacted by cutting Elliott to 6-4 from 2-1 to be crowned champion National Hunt trainer for the first time, easing Mullins to 1-2 from 1-3. "It was a fantastic achievement for Gordon Elliott to have six winners, especially at such a competitive meeting," Johnson told www.betway.com. "His yard is going from strength to strength and you would be foolish not to take notice of whatever Gordon runs wherever he goes. "Willie Mullins has amazing stars in his stable but Gordon is building a really strong team, too. "You'd be foolish to think it's going to be a one-horse race in the Irish trainers' championship."
