Gordon's training career could hardly have begun with a bigger bang, as he trained the former Paul Nicholls inmate Silver Birch to win the 2007 Aintree Grand National. Perhaps most remarkable of all about the victory was the fact the Co. Meath born and based handler had yet to train a winner in his native land.

But that was soon to change for the then 29-year-old, and since then his rise through the ranks of the Irish training fraternity has been meteoric.

Stable star Jessies Dream, owned by David Johnson, gave Gordon his first Grade 1 victory when winning the Drinmore Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse in 2010, and he went on to run-up behind Bostons Angel in the RSA Chase.

When Derek O'Connor steered Chicago Grey to victory in the National Hunt Challenge Cup on March 16th last, it was another landmark victory for Gordon, being his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

In the style of a trainer destined for much better things, the second winner was not long in coming. Carlito Brigante, sporting the colours of the all powerful Gigginstown House Stud , cantered clear in the Coral Cup later that same day, announcing Gordon as one of the brightest young talents in the sport