Gordon Elliott has outlined plans for exciting novice hurdler Tombstone in his latest BoyleSports Blog, and the Gigginstown-owned gelding will drop back in trip on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival next month.

The Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle is the target for the son of Robin Des Champs after only weakening in the closing stages when runner-up to Bleu Et Rouge in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last Saturday.

On Tombstone’s three lengths defeat in the 2m2f Grade 1, the County Meath trainer said “No big excuses really, just got beaten by a better horse on the day.

“Last weekend just proved that no matter what price a horse is in a race, a lot of things can happen from flag fall to finish.”

Tombstone is available at 14/1 with BoyleSports for the Festival opener, with the Willie Mullins-trained Min the red-hot 5/4 favourite.