Teahupoo romps home as Paisley Park bows out in the Stayers Hurdle
Jack Kennedy aboard Teahupoo during their victorious Stayers Hurdle
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 Cotwolds.
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.
It was also revealed after the race that Paisley Park would be retiring and his outing in the Stayers Hurdle drew the curtain on an iconic hurdling career.
