Tag Archive for: Teahupoo

Lossiemouth setting out on path intended to arrive at Cheltenham for Champion Hurdle

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Willie Mullins is banking on a good run from Lossiemouth in Sunday’s Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle laying the platform for a successful campaign that could include Champion Hurdle glory.

The five-year-old took on all-comers as a juvenile when claiming Triumph Hurdle joy, but connections were content to clean up in the mares’ division for last season’s festival double at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

This time around, there is no suggestion of avoiding the top boys and settling for any sort of consolation prize.

A stone bruise kept her from running in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown against Brighterdaysahead and State Man, but Mullins said: “Lossiemouth starts off this weekend and then the International Hurdle at Cheltenham (January 25) might be a good option for her, rather than going to Leopardstown at Christmas, then on to Cheltenham (for the Festival).

“Everyone wants to have competition, all these horses taking each other on every week, but you’ve got to have a final – and to me, you should have quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.

“Cheltenham and Punchestown are the two races we normally go, or Aintree, but if you’re taking each other on too much early in the season, there’s no sense of looking forward to those races.”

When asked if starting out over two and a half miles this weekend meant the Mares’ Hurdle was again under consideration, the Closutton maestro insisted: “Not unless she disappoints – this was the plan for the last two years, to go for the Champion Hurdle with her this year.

“I’m very happy with her, I think she’s ready. I think she has no problem with two miles but has absolutely no problem with two and a half either, and if you’re going to win a Champion Hurdle, you need a horse that stays two and a half, I think.

Punchestown Festival – Day Five – Saturday May 4th
Lossiemouth and Paul Townend after winning at Punchestown (Brian Lawless/PA).

“The pace of the Champion Hurdle, the way it’s run, you don’t want any doubts about stamina going into that, because you will be found out.”

As season-opening tests go, this will certainly be a stiff one, with Teahupoo looking to join Limestone Lad, Solerina, Apple’s Jade and Honeysuckle in securing a third Hatton’s Grace success.

Gordon Elliott’s seven-year-old went on to dominate the staying division with convincing victories at Cheltenham and Punchestown last term.

“It looks a very good race. I suppose Lossiemouth is going to be very hard to beat getting 7lb off us over two and a half miles, but we’ll do our best and our horse is in good form,” said Elliott, who will be without the services of stable jockey Jack Kennedy after he suffered a broken leg in a fall on Saturday.

“It’s good to see good horses taking each other on. We’ll do our best, but I think Lossiemouth is going to be very hard to beat.”

Elliott also saddles outsiders Beacon Edge and Maxxum to make up the numbers to four.

Cheltenham Festival 2024 – St Patrick’s Thursday – Cheltenham Racecourse
Jack Kennedy aboard Teahupoo after winning at Cheltenham (David Davies for the Jockey Club).

The Cullentra House handler is set to saddle four of the six runners in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase, as he seeks to add to his record tally of seven previous victories in this two-and-a-half-mile Grade One event.

Firefox is his most-fancied entry, having started out over fences with a nice win at Down Royal following a series of admirable placed efforts in elite-level novice hurdles last term, while stablemates Croke Park, Stellar Story and Shecouldbeanything are also engaged.

The biggest threat to Firefox is expected to come from the Henry de Bromhead-trained duo of Heart Wood and Gorgeous Tom, who have both shown improved form since tackling bigger obstacles and are more experienced in this sphere than the market leader.

On Gorgeous Tom, De Bromhead said: “He was always going to be a better chaser and he’s a really nice horse who has done little wrong.

“He made a mistake in Tipperary, but he seems to have learnt from that and jumped brilliant in Cork.

Fairyhouse Races – Saturday 24th February
Trainer Henry De Bromhead (Damien Eagers/PA).

“Heart Wood is obviously a very nice horse as well. This is his last opportunity as a novice and we’re hoping for good runs.

“Gorgeous Tom would probably prefer nicer ground and I’d say Heart Wood goes on most grounds.”

The Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle has been another happy hunting ground for Elliott, who has taken four of the last seven renewals and has two strong contenders again this time.

Romeo Coolio was second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and hacked up by 18 lengths at Down Royal on his hurdles bow, while stablemate Bleu De Vassy can boast a wide-margin win at Fairyhouse and a smooth success at Navan ahead of this Grade Two contest.



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Staying star Teahupoo preparing for Hatton’s Grace defence

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Gordon Elliott is happy to stick with a winning formula when it comes to preparing Teahupoo for the defence of his major titles this term.

The seven-year-old has kicked off his last two campaigns by claiming back-to-back victories in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and is set to head to Fairyhouse at the start of December once again.

Last season, he went on to secure an impressive success in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham before also proving a class apart in the same division at Punchestown.

Punchestown Festival – Day Three – Thursday May 2nd
Trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Jack Kennedy with Teahupoo (Brian Lawless/PA)

Teahupoo was the star of the show at a press morning at Cullentra House ahead of the Bar One Fairyhouse Winter Festival and it is all systems go in terms of bidding for a repeat Grade One treble.

Elliott said: “He’s in great form. He’s not fancy at home, he just does what he has to do.

“We’ve got it in our heads to do the same thing as last year and go down the same route with him – Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and back to Punchestown.”

Stablemate Brighterdaysahead is already up and running after a smooth success at Down Royal and has several options open to her ahead of ultimately seeking Mares’ Hurdle glory at Cheltenham.

There was a temptation to go over fences following her top-tier novice hurdle victory at Aintree, but owner Michael O’Leary was keen to keep his exciting charge over the smaller obstacles.

“She’s in the Morgiana (Punchestown, November 23), she’s in the Hatton’s Grace, but there’s no decision been made about where she’s going to go yet – I’ll have a chat with the lads this week but she’s come out of Down Royal really well and we’re looking forward to getting her out soon,” said Elliott.

Navan Races – Sunday February 11th
Brighterdaysahead winning at Navan (Damien Eagers/PA)

“We toyed with going chasing but Michael wanted to stay hurdling, so that was the final decision. She’s only five and she’s got a lot years in front of her, so I’m not disappointed. We’ve a lot of novice chasers this year.”

As for her preferred distance, the trainer added: “Good horses win over any trip, so going over two or three (miles) wouldn’t bother me.”

Elliott has made an excellent start to the season but one of his few setbacks came when Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up and Aintree Bowl winner Gerri Colombe was well beaten in third in Down Royal’s Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

“He seems to be fine,” reported Elliott. “I was disappointed with him, to be honest. For me, he was beaten after a couple of fences, he never really looked like he travelled or jumped.

Randox Grand National 2024 – Opening Day – Aintree Racecourse
Jockey Jack Kennedy celebrates on Gerri Colombe after winning at Aintree (David Davies for the Jockey Club)

“We’ll probably go for the Savills now, we’ll keep going the route we wanted to go, but he didn’t run his race, he didn’t finish it out, for me.

“The one thing he does, he always gives you everything, but I thought the writing was on the wall very early on at Down Royal. But that’s the game we’re in, we found a couple of things and we’ll iron them out.”

Success on home soil is obviously always important to Elliott, but it is clear Cheltenham Festival glory is what he craves the most.

“Cheltenham is Cheltenham and when you buy a horse, that’s where you are looking to be going. You’re hoping as many of them turn up there as you can,” he declared.

“People talk about should Cheltenham go to five days, or six days, well if Cheltenham was over 10 days, I’d be there 10 days in a row, there’s no doubt about that.”



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Teahupoo confirmed as king of the stayers with stylish success

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Teahupoo cemented his position at the top of the staying hurdling tree with a devastating display in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott’s charge could only finish fourth when 3-1 joint-favourite for the race 12 months ago – but victory this year could have been called a long way from home as the seven-year-old was ridden with supreme confidence by Jack Kennedy.

The 5-6 favourite travelled menacingly throughout the contest before putting the race to bed with ease once entering the straight, seeing off the enigmatic Asterion Forlonge by six and a half lengths.

It is the first time this century the winner of the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival has followed up at the Punchestown Festival and the Robcour-owned stayer finishes the season unbeaten having successfully defended his Hatton’s Grace crown in early December.

He has been trimmed to 5-2 favourite from 3s by Paddy Power to repeat his Stayers’ Hurdle heroics at Prestbury Park next March and for now appears an unstoppable force over three miles and timber.

A delighted Elliott said: “It was great for the horse and great for Jack, he has a big battle (jockeys’ title with Paul Townend) and it’s going to be a long tough week.

“He said he was stuck in a bit of a pocket behind Paul and he had to get out. He said the ground might be as quick as he wants it, but he was very good. He’s a great horse.”

Jack Kennedy all smiles with Teahupoo
Jack Kennedy all smiles with Teahupoo (PA)

Owner Brian Acheson added: “My main thing is about the horse because all the doubters from last year are now put to bed, and it’s great for Jack. I was really worried coming here because the horse didn’t let himself down on the ground last year.

“He was Robbie Power’s last ride here in the Champion Hurdle and finished last and I was thinking if it would be in the horse’s head. They are emotive creatures and they do remember stuff. By God did he give a performance today and I’m delighted.

“It’s petrifying, it’s torture, because you want the horse to show everybody how good they are.

“That’s really important for Jack, but Paul Townend isn’t going away.”

Sire Du Berlais was a star for Gordon Elliott
Sire Du Berlais was a star for Gordon Elliott (David Davies/PA)

There was, however, a sad postscript to the race for the Elliott yard, with Sire Du Berlais suffering a fatal injury. Three times a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, including last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle, the 12-year-old also won the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree twice.

“I’m absolutely heartbroken and he’s been a horse of a lifetime for us at Cullentra,” Elliott told Racing TV.

“Everyone is in bits over it, the girls and the lads at the yard and he’s been unbelievable so we’re all gutted.

“Thoughts are with JP, Noreen (McManus) and the whole family and it takes the gloss off the whole week, if I’m honest. I’m heartbroken.

“He was just a horse of a lifetime and you couldn’t write what he has done for us. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was a great horse.”



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Teahupoo out for Cheltenham-Punchestown Festival double

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Teahupoo is out become the first horse this century to do the Cheltenham-Punchestown Festival staying double when he lines up for the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The seven-year-old gave Gordon Elliott back-to-back victories in the Cheltenham Festival’s staying hurdling showpiece in March, storming clear of his rivals to justify his status as well-backed favourite and cementing his place as the division’s number one performer.

Fourth 12 months ago, he will now attempt to finish the season unbeaten in the main event of Thursday’s action in Kildare.

“Teahupoo is in great order and this would look the logical step for him,” said Elliott.

“We didn’t go to Liverpool with the intention of going here and it’s all systems go now for Punchestown. Everything has gone smoothly since Cheltenham and we’re pleased with him.”

Teahupoo skipped the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree last month, while evergreen stablemate Sire Du Berlais was slated to line up there before being declared a non-runner and will also head to Punchestown well rested after a 49-day break.

One who was in action at both Cheltenham and on Merseyside was Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who is now given one last chance to get a Grade One to his name over hurdles having improved on his Prestbury Park fourth when runner-up to Strong Leader in Liverpool.

Buddy One has been a star for the Gilligan team
Buddy One has been a star for the Gilligan team (Nigel French/PA)

Gilligan said: “The main one we have to beat is Gordon’s horse Teahupoo, but we’ve been happy with him since Aintree and all has gone well. He has it all to do to beat him, but hopefully he might.

“He seems to take his racing very well, but this will be it and wrap him up for the season. He will go on holiday after this. He came out of Aintree so well within himself, so we said ‘let’s go to Punchestown’.

“He did a nice piece of work last week and everything indicated we should run, so we will see how it goes.

“If we pulled it off it would be great and I guess if he doesn’t take to fences next year then he can always come back over hurdles to run in these races.”

Home By The Lee was third at Cheltenham in March
Home By The Lee was third at Cheltenham in March (Niall Carson/PA)

Ahead of Buddy One but six lengths adrift of Teahupoo in third at Prestbury Park was Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee, with the second highest rated in the line-up bidding to snap a losing run that dates back to Christmas 2022.

He was keeping on strongly at the finish at Cheltenham with his handler optimistic of a bold showing here.

O’Brien said: “He ran well at Cheltenham and has prepared well for this race. Since Cheltenham the plan was always to come to Punchestown and we’re happy with how he has prepared. He has a few lengths to make up with Teahupoo, but we’re hoping for a good run.”

Willie Mullins has won this race 10 times overall, and for the last three years, and will this time rely on the enigmatic Asterion Forlonge and ever-popular Monkfish.

Willie Mullins has a fine record in this race
Willie Mullins has a fine record in this race (John Walton/PA)

The former has mixed and matched hurdles with good effect recently, winning a Cork Grade Three over the larger obstacles last time, while Monkfish has also been seen in both disciplines of late, sixth at Aintree most recently.

Henry de Bromhead is another with two in the contest, saddling both Mares’ Hurdle fourth Lantry Lady and Summerville Boy – who has been knocking on the door in his last three starts.

Mouse Morris’ Coral Cup fifth Franciscan Rock, Fairyhouse scorer Whatcouldhavebeen (Jarlath Fahey) and No Looking Back (Oliver McKiernan) complete the field.



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Elliott anticipating similar route back to Cheltenham for Gerri Colombe

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Gordon Elliott is already plotting how Gerri Colombe can bridge the gap with Galopin Des Champs in next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old made Willie Mullins’ dual blue riband hero pull out all the stops at this season’s Festival, and Elliott feels there is still more to come from his charge.

He told Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday: “I’d say Gerri Colombe was definitely a career best. We were delighted with Gerri and the winner is very, very special.

“The loose horse has done us absolutely no favours – we’d have never won on the day, but we might have been a little bit closer.

“I think with another summer out at grass, he’s going to be even better. He probably jumped his best throughout the race on Friday but I still think he needs to learn to come down and get from A to B a little bit quicker.

“If you look at Galopin Des Champs, he’s a lot quicker through the air than we are, but that’s getting better all the time.

“Whether we run him again this year or not, I’m not sure. If I do, it’ll likely be Punchestown, Aintree will probably come a bit soon. But if not, it’ll be all systems go again for the Gold Cup next year.”

Elliott enjoyed Grade One glory with Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle and he is set to target a repeat success in that contest next term.

The seven-year-old had just one previous outing this season, when winning the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, and another light schedule is on the cards.

“He suits the race,” said the Cullentra House handler. “He’s a laid-back type of horse, he doesn’t take too much energy out of himself.

“So, we’ll probably look at going back to Punchestown, all being well, and then maybe going the same path again next year, with just two or three runs in the season again.

Cheltenham Festival 2024 – St Patrick’s Thursday – Cheltenham Racecourse
Teahupoo ridden by Jack Kennedy winning the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Mike Egerton/PA).

“He’s probably not the biggest or most robust horse in the world, so maybe he doesn’t need a whole lot of racing, but he’s very honest and we’re very lucky to have him.

“His form suggests he runs best with a nice break between runs, so we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing – he’s done us proud so far.”

Irish Point was rerouted from the Stayers’ Hurdle to the Champion Hurdle following the defection of Constitution Hill and performed admirably when chasing home State Man.

He is now in line for a step back up in trip to two and a half miles for the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, where he could clash with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Bob Olinger, who carries the same Robcour colours.

Elliott said: “Irish Point is probably more of a stayer than a two-miler but just the way the race was working out, we had to roll the dice.

“I’d love to go to Aintree. They are in different camps – Henry can worry about his horse and I will worry about mine.”



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Teahupoo strikes Stayers’ gold for Elliott

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Gordon Elliott notched back-to-back victories in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle as Teahupoo stormed up the Cheltenham hill for Festival glory.

The seven-year-old could only finish third behind veteran stablemate Sire Du Berlais when sent off the 9-4 favourite 12 months ago, but made no mistake on his return to Prestbury Park in the hands of Jack Kennedy – who along with the Cullentra House handler was getting off the mark for the week.

Sent off the well-backed 5-4 favourite having not been seen since claiming a second Hatton’s Grace in December, he was ridden with plenty of confidence and also plenty of daylight as he charted a wide path on his latest trip to the Cotswolds.

Gordon Elliott (right) with jockey Jack Kennedy at the trophy presentation
Gordon Elliott (right) with jockey Jack Kennedy at the trophy presentation (Mike Egerton/PA)

Kennedy inched his mount into contention two out and although not fluent at the penultimate flight, he was hot on the tail of Flooring Porter as the business end approached.

Fellow Irish raiders Home By The Lee and Buddy One were also in the mix on the long run to the last but Teahupoo soon cemented his dominance and having jumped the final flight with a narrow advantage, he was not for catching in the closing stages as he sprinted clear of the gallant Flooring Porter.

Elliott said: “He’s best fresh so we said we’d come straight here. Listen, it’s great to get a winner. They’ve been running well, just hitting the crossbar, they’ve had no excuses but to win the Stayers’ Hurdle is unbelievable and I’m delighted for the whole team.

“It’s difficult to tell myself to stay patient when you don’t have a winner, it’s been a long couple of days but they’ve bene running well. We’ve got one now. This was always going to be our best day, this was one of our biggest guns.

“I was a little anxious when he missed the second-last and then he probably got there too soon because he had to give him a squeeze.

“I think he’s a stronger horse this year and saddling him I thought he’d grown.

“He’ll stay hurdling, we’ll never say never but at the moment he’ll stay hurdling. There are some nice races at Aintree and Punchestown for him so we’ll have a look at those.”

Gavin Cromwell was pleased with the effort of Flooring Porter (right)
Gavin Cromwell was pleased with the effort of Flooring Porter (right) (Mike Egerton/PA)

Of Flooring Porter, Gavin Cromwell said: “I’m delighted with the run, obviously you hate standing in the second place but that’s just the nature of the beast and I don’t think we could have done anything any differently.

“It was a very game performance, he was headed and tried all the way to the line. He was a good second and the winner is a worthy winner.

“We’ll have to consider going to Aintree, we’ll digest this first and we’ll see.

“He’s been a warrior and please God he’s not finished just yet.”

Home By The Lee was third for Joseph O’Brien, who said: “It’s nice to see him come back to himself with two fantastic horses in front of us.”

Paul Gilligan said of the fourth-placed Buddy One: “It was an absolutely super run and if the ground was just a touch better it would have suited him better, but I’m not complaining as to get in this semi-circle here is where you want to be.

“Obviously we were in the winning spot in November and we’ll try to get back in the winning spot here again sometime.

“He was very sore in his back after his last run in Leopardstown and scoped a little wrong as well. He has now proved that he is the horse that we think he is.

“As I’ve said all along it’s horses for courses and he loves this place.

“I’d say I’ll go over fences next season looking at the way he jumps, and it’s just great to have a horse like this for the three men that own him because getting people to back a small yard like ours is near impossible and they’ve invested in this horse and a couple of others. They’re just fantastic men.

“I have every confidence in this horse, he did a piece of work last week and it was just electric, so I did fancy him today.

“I definitely won’t go to Punchestown, we might go to Aintree as he ran very well last year, but we’ll see. I’m not going to abuse the horse and he’s entitled to a very good break now.”



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Hopes high Teahupoo has what it takes for Stayers’ Hurdle gold

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Teahupoo will look to strike when fresh in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle for Gordon Elliott at the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old was beaten just three-quarters of a length in the same race last year and returned to action this season in good form to take the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle ahead of Impaire Et Passe at Fairyhouse in early December.

He has not run since then and is expected to benefit that as he is proven to go well after a brief break.

“We’re looking forward to Teahupoo in the Stayers’ and he seems in really good form,” said Robbie Power, racing manager to owner Robcour.

“It was a very good performance in the Hatton’s Grace and we’ve changed things up this year coming straight here.

Teahupoo after winning the Hatton's Grace
Teahupoo after winning the Hatton’s Grace (Brian Lawless/PA)

“The big thing for him is he’s a better horse when he’s fresh and all his runs after a 50-odd day break he has won. We think that is the key to him.

“He didn’t get the rub of the green in the race last year and hopefully if things go well this year he will take plenty of beating. He deserves to win a Stayers’ and we’re giving him every chance.”

Elliott also runs reigning champion Sire Du Berlais, who followed up last year’s victory with success in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

Flooring Porter landed the race in both 2021 and 2022 before finishing fourth last season, after which he switched to jumping fences in the first half of the current campaign.

Flooring Porter winning the Stayers' Hurdle in 2022
Flooring Porter winning the Stayers’ Hurdle in 2022 (Steven Paston/PA)

He was not without success as a chaser but connections ultimately decided to return to the Stayers’ Hurdle in a bid for a third triumph and veto the alternative option of the National Hunt Chase.

“He’s in good shape and we’re looking forward to it. I hope the ground dries out a little bit, I hope it’s not too deep, so we’ll see what happens,” said trainer Gavin Cromwell.

“He’s had a few schooling sessions over hurdles and they’ve gone well, he’s a very intelligent horse so I don’t see it (switching from fences) being a problem.

“When you see what Corbetts Cross (facile National Hunt Chase winner) did on Tuesday I’d say we dodged a bullet there and we’re happy to be running in the Stayers’ again.”

The British challenge is led by Fergal O’Brien’s Crambo, winner of the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot when last seen.

Fergal O’Brien stands with Crambo during a visit to his yard at Ravenswell Farm
Fergal O’Brien stands with Crambo during a visit to his yard at Ravenswell Farm (Adam Davy/PA)

The seven-year-old beat Paisley Park, Dashel Drasher and Champ on that occasion and looks to be on an upward trajectory in a career that has already yielded seven wins from 10 starts.

“He’s in great form, I’m very happy with him and he has trained very well,” said O’Brien.

“We’ve had a great preparation, he’s just improved and improved for us.

“He doesn’t show a lot at home, everything he’s shown us is what he’s shown on the track and we couldn’t be more pleased with him.

“He’s won on everything, he won on good ground at Ascot and he’s won on heavy at Sandown last year so I can’t see that as an issue for him.

“We’ve our fingers crossed he can get his head in front.”

Jeremy Scott's Dashel Drasher
Jeremy Scott’s Dashel Drasher (David Davies/PA)

Jeremy Scott runs the hugely popular Dashel Drasher, with Emma Lavelle also set to saddle a fan favourite in the 12-year-old Paisley Park.

Winner of the race in 2019, he has run every year since and finished in third place in both 2021 and 2022.

Willie Mullins has three chances, with Sir Gerhard seemingly the leading hope as the mount of Paul Townend, while Asterion Forlonge will be ridden by Patrick Mullins and Janidil by Jody McGarvey.

Emmet Mullins’ Noble Yeats, the 2022 Grand National hero, will be partnered by Harry Cobden again after the duo beat Paisley Park to land the Cleeve Hurdle in January.

Joseph O’Brien runs Home By The Lee, with the field of 12 completed by Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, three times a winner already this season.

“He seems to like this course and he has travelled over really well,” Gilligan said.

“He seems well in himself and although it is a big step up, I’m very happy with him and I think he will run with a lot of credit. I think he will run very well.”



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Teahupoo expected to be Jack Kennedy’s Stayers’ Hurdle hope

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Gordon Elliott expects stable jockey Jack Kennedy to side with Teahupoo over stablemate Irish Point should the pair clash in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

The former was beaten just three-quarters of a length into third place in the Grade One feature 12 months ago, with his widely unconsidered stable companion Sire Du Berlais springing a surprise.

Teahupoo has run just once so far this term, getting the better of Impaire Et Passe when winning his second Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in early December.

Elliott has elected to keep his powder dry for the seven-year-old’s return to the Cotswolds since and is optimistic about his chances.

“He’s in good form, we’re very happy with him. We’ve come straight from the Hatton’s Grace and I’d be shocked if Jack doesn’t ride him to be honest,” he said at a press morning at his County Meath yard.

“He’s a proven stayer and we’ve minded him for the race. I’d imagine we’ll go here and then we’ll maybe go to France with him.

“He handled the ground in Cheltenham last year and I don’t think it’s going to be any quicker.”

Irish Point on his way to victory at Leopardstown
Irish Point on his way to victory at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

There is little to choose between Teahupoo and Irish Point at the top of the Stayers’ Hurdle betting, with the latter having advertised his claims with a dominant display on his first start over three miles in Leopardstown’s Christmas Hurdle.

Irish Point also has the option of dropping right back to two miles in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but conditions would need to be testing for that scenario to unfold.

Elliott added: “If the ground came up very soft, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that I’ll run him in the Champion Hurdle. At the moment I suppose the Stayers’ is where he’s going, but we’ll leave it until the last minute.

“I think the better the ground, the better the chance Irish Point will have (in the Stayers’ Hurdle). I don’t think the trip will be a problem.

“Whatever Jack doesn’t ride, Jordan (Gainford) or Sam (Ewing) will ride the other.”

The Cullentra handler could saddle four runners in the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Sire Du Berlais and Beacon Edge also in the mix.

The defending champion was well beaten on his first start in 10 months in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan recently, but given he is also a dual winner of the Pertemps Final at the Festival, Elliott feels it would be dangerous to leave him out of calculations.

“Sire Du Berlais worked very well on Saturday, he likes it when the sun comes out and seems to like Cheltenham,” he said.

“We only have to ride him out and swim him twice a day. He’s been the horse a lifetime, to be honest.”

Elliott’s biggest hope in the novice division this season is Brighterdaysahead, who will put her unbeaten record on the line in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Brighterdaysahead with connections following her latest win at Navan
Brighterdaysahead with connections following her latest win at Navan (Damien Eagers/PA)

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned five-year-old has added to her bumper triumphs with a hat-trick of wins over obstacles and the trainer clearly holds her in the highest esteem.

He said: “She does her own talking, we think she’s very good. Shane McCann rides her every day, he’s as good a judge as we have and he says she could be as good as we’ve had here.

“I’m not worried about the trip, she’s going the right way, she knows how to win and she’s got a good attitude. She’s not flashy, but we like what she does and she pleases the whole time.

“She’s got a great chance.”

Having beaten star novice Ballyburn on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse, Firefox disappointed when stepped up to Grade One level at Naas earlier in the new year, but Elliott is optimistic he can show his true colours in the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park.

He added: “He wasn’t right after Naas and we worked him there a couple of weeks ago and he got a bit tired. I hadn’t worked him in five weeks, but he worked very well the other day in Fairyhouse.

“He has a couple more bits of work to do, but he’s a very good horse and he’s not without a chance in the Supreme Novice – we’ve gone close with lesser horses.”

My Trump Card, a horse with a “massive engine” according to Elliott, looks set to carry the stable’s hopes in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, while the trainer’s runners in the Festival’s handicap hurdles are always worth consideration.

Stable confidence is high in Pied Piper
Stable confidence is high in Pied Piper (Brian Lawless/PA)

Better Days Ahead, Hollow Games and Jigoro are among those nominated as likely players in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle, Cleatus Poolaw looks a serious contender for Pertemps Final and Ndaawi and the unbeaten Wodhooh give Elliott a strong hand in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

It is a similar story in the County Hurdle, with high-class novice King Of Kingsfield and last year’s narrowly beaten runner-up Pied Piper both expected to go well.

Of the latter, put forward by assistant trainer Lisa O’Neill as her nap of the meeting, Elliott said: “He will go for the County Hurdle. He was unlucky in the race last year and probably could have nearly won it with a clear run.

“He’s in good form, I would imagine we’ll take 5lb off with Danny Gilligan riding him.”



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Gerri Colombe owner in awe of Galopin Des Champs

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Owner Brian Acheson believes Galopin Des Champs is the best horse since Kauto Star and has conceded his Gerri Colombe will be running for second place when he tackles Willie Mullins’ defending champion in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Galopin Des Champs was an imperious winner of the blue riband in March but had since suffered defeat twice at the hands of Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow, with Acheson’s Gerri Colombe emerging as a real Gold Cup contender when making a winning return at Down Royal.

The two talented stayers clashed for the first time at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase and with the Closutton Cheltenham hero back to his very best, Gerri Colombe was helpless as Galopin Des Champs romped to a brilliant 23-length success.

Galopin Des Champs was back to his very best at Leopardstown
Galopin Des Champs was back to his very best at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

That shot the eight-year-old back to the top of the Gold Cup market, with Gerri Colombe eased to a best price of 11-1 with Unibet, and Acheson – who runs his horses under the Robcour banner – feels there is no way of turning the tables when they meet again at Prestbury Park in March.

He said: “Galopin is the best horse since Kauto Star and I’ve said it since the day of the Turners (Novices’ Chase, at Cheltenham). He is an absolute rocket, a weapon.

“We lost nothing in defeat and I don’t think there is a horse in training that can stay with him, he’s just a machine.

“You are running for second place. In the era where we don’t have enough good horses, if I didn’t have Gerri in the race, then you would love him to win by half the track just to make him look a superstar – and he is a superstar, I would love to own him.

“Hats off to him and it was actually an honour to run against him, he’s so good.

“We will take him on but there is only one winner.”

Acheson also outlined plans for his plethora of stars in the staying hurdle division.

Bob Olinger and Irish Point have both thrown their names into the mix with victories over the Christmas period, but it is last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle third Teahupoo who is currently carrying his owner’s main hopes following his second Hatton’s Grace success last month.

Teahupoo is the Robcour number one for the Stayers' Hurdle
Teahupoo is the Robcour number one for the Stayers’ Hurdle (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Bob Olinger will be going to Aintree,” said Acheson. “If you had three horses, would you run three horses in the Stayers’?

“At the moment, I have two horses who could run in the Stayers’ and the one horse who is going there if he is fit and well is Teahupoo.

“Irish Point won well last week, but Home By The Lee didn’t run his race and Asterion Forlonge was a great horse but is a little bit older now.

“Teahupoo’s run against Impaire Et Passe was better form-wise, so he’s number one, but this French horse (Theleme) is meant to be a superstar.”



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Teahupoo outbattles Impaire Et Passe in Hatton’s Grace

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Teahupoo proved too game for hot favourite Impaire Et Passe as he completed back-to-back wins in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Gordon Elliott’s charge ended the long unbeaten run of Honeysuckle in the Grade One contest last year and this time it was Willie Mullins’ Impaire Et Passe who had his bubble burst.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite, Impaire Et Passe was looking to pick up where he left off last term with top-level successes at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals and he appeared to be travelling supremely well as they turned for home.

Pacemaker Zanahiyr dropped out in the straight, leaving Paul Townend to go for home on the market leader – but Teahupoo had other ideas.

Teahupoo (right) was too good for Impaire Et Passe
Teahupoo (right) was too good for Impaire Et Passe (Brian Lawless/PA)

The pair were neck and neck on the approach to the final flight but it was Teahupoo who kept finding for pressure on the run to the line, with Jack Kennedy’s mount registering a length success at odds of 85-40.

Teahupoo finished a close third in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last term and Betfair go 4-1 from 6s about him for that race, while Impaire Et Passe is out to 8-1 from 11-2 for the Champion Hurdle following the first defeat of his career.

A Cheltenham return in March is now top of Elliott’s agenda, with the trainer planning a direct route for Teahupoo this time.

Gordon Elliott greets Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy
Gordon Elliott greets Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: “We knew he was in good nick but obviously Willie’s horse was going to be hard to beat over two and a half miles and we know our lad wants three.

“Jack gave him a wonderful ride and was very clever on him, squeezed him along and said he was going to have one go at him between the last two.

“The horse has got a lot stronger. He’s only a young horse and didn’t do much wrong last year.

“We are going to do things a bit different this year and the plan is to go straight for the Stayers’ Hurdle now.

“We might have knocked the edge off him in Gowran last year.”

Owner Brian Acheson, in whose Robcour colours Teahupoo runs, added: “The key to this horse, like Bob Olinger, is Robbie Power. He takes a lot of the horses during the summer and does a bit of dressage.

“Everything is for the welfare of the horses to get them physically in good condition and mechanically working well.

“Bob Olinger is not going for the Stayers’ as he doesn’t stay three miles, but he might go to Aintree and take on Constitution Hill.”

Kennedy is now the most successful rider in the history of the race, having also won back-to-back renewals with Apple’s Jade in 2017 and 2018.

Teahupoo (right) is on course for Cheltenham now
Teahupoo (right) is on course for Cheltenham now (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: “I think he’s after improving from last year, he seems a stronger horse. That was very good there and I’m delighted with him.

“He’s a pleasure to ride. Paul (Townend’s) lad looked to be on it a bit and I was kind of pushing him along a bit trying to make him do as much as he could.

“This lad was very good, he was tough and did it well in the end.

“I enjoy riding this lad. Obviously, he gave me a great day here last year as well, so it’s brilliant for him to back it up again this year.

“Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards.”



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Hatton’s Grace ‘obvious starting point’ for Impaire Et Passe

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The unbeaten Impaire Et Passe will bid to showcase his Champion Hurdle credentials in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Arguably the star of Willie Mullins’ band of novices over hurdles last term, the exciting five-year-old confirmed the promise of his smooth Moscow Flyer success when striking with authority at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring.

He is now a warm order to make a smooth transition to open company and provide his trainer with another contender to take on Constitution Hill back at Prestbury Park in March.

However, there may be a few nerves at Closutton ahead of their hot hurdling prospect’s reappearance, having seen Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs beaten on his return last weekend.

“Impaire Et Passe obviously won over two and a half in Cheltenham and the Hatton’s Grace was the obvious starting point,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.

“Stepping out of novice company is always difficult, but what he did to Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kiely in Cheltenham was a huge performance.

“We’ll be disappointed if he got beaten, but Galopin Des Champs got beaten last weekend.”

Impaire Et Passe is joined in the line-up by stablemate Ashroe Diamond, who has won her last two, both here at Fairyhouse, and secured Grade One honours over track and trip in her final outing of last term.

Ashroe Diamond has some brilliant course form at Fairyhouse
Ashroe Diamond has some brilliant course form at Fairyhouse (Nigel French/PA)

“Ashroe Diamond will run very well, with a view to going for the Mares’ Hurdle later in the year,” continued Mullins, who will enjoy steering duties aboard the likeable six-year-old.

“My mother bred her, she’s won in Aintree for the owners and won a Grade One in Fairyhouse.

“I thought her two runs behind Facile Vega and Marine Nationale last year were the two best runs by a mare last year. She’s a long way out on ratings (on Sunday), but I think when she drops back to mares only company, she’ll be giving everything plenty to think about.”

Teahupoo lowered the colours of Honeysuckle when staying on strongly to edge out Klassical Dream and Henry de Bromhead’s champion mare 12 months ago and Gordon Elliott’s Stayers’ Hurdle third will be attempting to repeat the dose in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

Jockey Jack Kennedy (left) and owner Brian Acheson celebrate Teahupoo's Hatton's Grace win last year
Jockey Jack Kennedy (left) and owner Brian Acheson celebrate Teahupoo’s Hatton’s Grace win last year (Brian Lawless/PA)

Last year’s victory was the fourth time Elliott has triumphed in the Grade One after Apple’s Jade dominated the contest between 2016 and 2018 and the Cullentra House team are also represented by the consistent Zanahiyr.

“I’ve got Teahupoo and Zanahiyr in the Hatton’s Grace and both horses have got good chances,” Elliott told Racing TV.

“Teahupoo on his form last year would probably be the pick of them, but whereas Zanahiyr wouldn’t mind a bit of better ground, Teahupoo would want as much rain as he can get.”

The field of five is complete by Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who steps out of handicap company in search of a hat-trick, having impressed at Cheltenham during the November meeting.

“Isn’t it great to have a horse to take on the big boys? That’s what we all want, one of these horses, and we have one now and it’s great,” said Gilligan.

“He’s won at Fairyhouse. We won’t get carried away, as we know exactly what’s facing us if he steps up to take on these guys.

“Impaire Et Passe is going to be hard to beat, Teahupoo is going to be hard to beat, but he could beat them – who’s to say he won’t?”



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Teahupoo on course to defend Hatton’s Grace title

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Defending champion Teahupoo will lead a strong Gordon Elliott squad into battle for the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle next month.

The six-year-old became the first horse to lower the colours of Honeysuckle when landing the Fairyhouse Grade One 12 months ago and went on to run a mighty race in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

He had to settle for third on that occasion behind stablemate Sire Du Berlais, but Elliott predicts further improvement this term which could make him one of the leading players in the staying hurdling division.

Jockey Jack Kennedy (centre) and trainer Gordon Elliott (left) celebrate with Teahupoo after winning the Hatton's Grace
Jockey Jack Kennedy (centre) and trainer Gordon Elliott (left) celebrate with Teahupoo after winning the Hatton’s Grace (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: “He’s in great form, he’s doing really well. He will be in the Hatton’s Grace and Leopardstown (at Christmas) as well.

“If he improved five or six pounds from last year, which with age you would like to think he would have, he would have to be in the mix with all those stayers.

“Even last year he was in the mix and was unlucky in the Stayers’ Hurdle, he ran a great race.”

Elliott holds seven entries for the December 3 event and poised to make his return is stable stalwart and reigning Stayers’ Hurdle champion Sire Du Berlais.

The evergreen 11-year-old got his hands on his third Cheltenham Festival victory when edging out Dashel Drasher for a shock 33-1 success in March and proved that was no fluke when repeating the dose with further Grade One glory at Aintree the following month.

“He’s the horse of a lifetime,” said Elliott. “He’s so unimpressive at home, even to look at, he doesn’t do a stroke.

“He’s not getting any younger, but he’s a great horse and we’re lucky to have him.

“It’s hard to get him fit, it takes a couple of runs to get him fit, he’s so laid back.”

Irish Point winning at Aintree earlier in the year
Irish Point winning at Aintree earlier in the year (Tim Goode/PA)

Also in line for an appearance in the two-and-a-half-mile contest is Irish Point, who was a Grade One scorer at the distance at Aintree in the spring.

He made a winning return in the Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal recently and Elliott believes he has the potential to campaign over a variety of distances.

“He’s probably a hard horse to place,” continued Elliott. “He’s in the Hatton’s Grace and I wouldn’t be shocked if I went there with him.

“He could (go over three miles), but I just don’t know if I want to go three miles with him at the moment.

“He’s a good horse, but might just be stuck between a rock and a hard place. He might not have the pace for the really good two-mile races and I think he will stay three miles, but it’s whether I want to be doing it at this stage of his career or not, he’s only a young horse.”

Meanwhile, the Cullentra House handler is already looking ahead to March with Gigginstown’s Brighterdaysahead, who made it two from two over timber when claiming a Grade Three at Down Royal and will be pointed at the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

“If you asked me now, I would say it will be one more run then Cheltenham,” said Elliott.

“She’s had two runs now. She’s got a big engine and she’s looked good.

“She’s not keen, she’s just green. If you look at her in Down Royal, it was like her first run – Thurles was no race. But I was happy with her and how she hit the line.”

Croke Park winning the Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan
Croke Park winning the Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)

He also has high hopes for the owners’ Croke Park who having won the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, could be given the chance to enhance his fine recent record in the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle early in the new year.

Elliott added: “He was good, he’s a big horse. He had a few niggly problems last year and I would imagine I would go to Naas now for the Lawlor’s.

“He’s a three-mile chaser (in the making) and when he got there he wasn’t doing anything, he was a bit babyish.”



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Scott left deflated after Dashel Drasher demoted from second in Stayers’ Hurdle

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Jeremy Scott felt the decision of the Cheltenham stewards to demote Dashel Drasher to third from second in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle had “pricked his bubble a bit”.

Sent off at 40-1, only the French challenger Henri Le Farceur went off a bigger price but Dashel Drasher massively outran market expectations and looked to have everything beaten when jumping the last flight in front.

He drifted slightly to his left on jumping it, and also caused marginal interference after the hurdle to Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo, the 9-4 favourite.

Only a nose separated them at the line, with Sire Du Berlais a three-quarters of a length winner, but the stewards felt there was enough interference to reverse the order of the second and third.

“To me it’s very harsh. I’ve just spoken to the stewards and I’ve watched it through,” said Scott.

“The trouble is they set the precedent in the four-year-old hurdle at Aintree last year when (Knight Salute and Pied Piper dead-heated but Pied Piper was demoted). To me I felt if it had happened at any meeting midweek it wouldn’t have been picked up on.

“We drifted left going into the hurdle and that is what they are concerned about and they felt the momentum he lost made the difference between the nose he missed out on second.

“For me the eventual second wasn’t quick enough to go for the gap he wanted, then he was pulled out to go around and have another go. I think we’ve been harshly done to, but rules are rules.

“I’ll speak to the owners about an appeal, but it’s a long process and I don’t think we’ll derive any pleasure about doing it – it did prick our bubble a bit and the £30,000 would have been nice.”



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Teahupoo advertises Stayers’ claims with Galmoy glory

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Teahupoo shot to ante-post favouritism for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival following a facile victory in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Gordon Elliott’s charge finished last behind Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season, but turned the tables when inflicting a first career defeat on the superstar mare in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse last month.

Stepping up to three miles for the first time, Teahupoo was a 4-11 chance to give weight and a beating to five rivals at Grade Two level and could hardly have been more impressive.

Ridden by Davy Russell, enjoying his first Graded success since coming out of retirement to deputise for the injured Jack Kennedy, Teahupoo travelled like the class horse in the field before being asked to extend in the home straight.

He swiftly put any stamina doubts to bed as he powered 15 lengths clear of the veteran Summerville Boy, seeing Paddy Power slash his Stayers’ Hurdle odds to 11-4 from 7-1.

Elliott said: “He was good and is a good horse. He is going the right way and the plan is to go straight to Cheltenham for the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott saddled Teahupoo to win the Galmoy Hurdle
Gordon Elliott saddled Teahupoo to win the Galmoy Hurdle (Brian Lawless/PA)

“It was two miles in Cheltenham last year and I’d say this distance is the key to him – over two miles the gun is to your head the whole time. I know he was well beaten in Punchestown after that, but he wasn’t actually beaten that far.

“At the moment we have no worries ground-wise, although it (Stayers Hurdle) is an open race too.

“Davy (Russell) said he panicked and got there a bit soon, as he is so laid-back early but when he gave a squeeze, he leapt back on the bridle. You’d love the way he quickened from the second-last to the line.”



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Teahupoo to test Stayers’ credentials in Galmoy heat

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Hatton’s Grace hero Teahupoo tests the water over three miles for the first time in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on Thursday.

Gordon Elliott’s charge finished last behind Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Punchestown Champion Hurdle last season, but turned that form on its head when inflicting a first career defeat on Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare at Fairyhouse last month.

That victory came over the intermediate distance of two and a half miles and Elliott is keen to see how he fares over an even longer trip in a bid to discover whether the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March is a realistic target.

When asked if he was looking forward to running Teahupoo over three miles, Elliott said: “I’m looking forward to every day!

“It is a step up in trip and it looks like it will suit him, so we will see what happens.

“We will get Thursday out of the way, but that (Stayers’ Hurdle) is what we are thinking. We are dreaming rather than thinking!”

Teahupoo will be ridden by Davy Russell, who is out to secure his first Graded success since coming out of retirement to fill in for the injured Jack Kennedy.

“It was no surprise to us what this lad did in Fairyhouse last month as he was simply returning to the level we know he can perform at,” Russell told his Star Sports blog.

Davy Russell rides Teahupoo at Gowran Park
Davy Russell rides Teahupoo at Gowran Park (Niall Carson/PA)

“He was good here in Gowran last February and we know conditions are in his favour. He’s always shaped like he’s worth a crack at this sort of a trip so we will learn plenty about him.

“This is no easy task though as it’s a good deal further than he’s gone before and he’s a fair penalty to shoulder too. That said, it does look the ideal opportunity for Teahupoo.”

Martin Brassil is looking forward to saddling Longhouse Poet, who won the Thyestes Chase on this card 12 months ago before going on to finish sixth in the Grand National at Aintree.

While his better form is over the larger obstacles, the nine-year-old did make a successful switch to hurdling at Limerick over the Christmas period and Brassil is happy to roll the dice.

He said: “We’re looking forward to his run and he’ll love the ground and he’ll love the trip. It looks like there’s a horse a stone and a half better than him in there, but we’re happy to run him anyway and see how he gets on.

“We were very pleased with his Limerick win and we are hopeful he can build on that. He took the Limerick race very well and we’ve been very happy with him since, so we will see how we go.”

Beacon Edge is fitted with blinkers for the first time by Noel Meade, while De Bromhead is represented by the veteran Summerville Boy.

Early Doors (Joseph O’Brien) and My Design (Declan Queally) complete the Grade Two field.



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