Anticipated Stayers' Hurdle Contender: Teahupoo to Lead Kennedy's Challenge

Gordon Elliott anticipates that his stable jockey, Jack Kennedy, will favour Teahupoo over his fellow stablemate, Irish Point, if they come head-to-head in the upcoming Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

A year ago, Teahupoo finished third by just three-quarters of a length in the Grade One feature, while the unexpected Sire Du Berlais, a much-overlooked stable companion, emerged victorious.

Teahupoo has only competed once this season, triumphing over Impaire Et Passe to secure his second Hatton’s Grace Hurdle victory at Fairyhouse in early December.

Elliott has carefully prepared the seven-year-old for his return to Cheltenham and is optimistic about his prospects in the race.

Speaking at a press event in his County Meath yard, Elliott remarked,

“He's in excellent form, and we are very pleased with him. We have been focused on getting him ready for the race since his Hatton’s Grace win, and I would be surprised if Jack doesn't choose to ride him."

Elliott continued,

"Teahupoo is a proven stayer, and we have been preparing him for this event. His performance on the Cheltenham ground last year was impressive, and I don’t expect it to be any different this time."

In the Stayers’ Hurdle betting, Teahupoo and Irish Point are closely matched at the top, with Irish Point showcasing his potential with a commanding victory in Leopardstown's Christmas Hurdle over three miles.

While Irish Point could also opt for the two-mile Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, the ground conditions would need to be challenging for that decision to materialise.

Elliott stated,

“If the ground becomes very soft, there's a chance I might consider running him in the Champion Hurdle. For now, our focus is on the Stayers’, but we'll make the final decision at the last moment."

He added,

“I believe that Irish Point will have a better chance in the Stayers’ Hurdle if the ground conditions are firmer. I don't anticipate the distance to be an issue. Whoever Jack doesn't ride, Jordan Gainford or Sam Ewing will ride the other."

Elliott could potentially field four contenders in the Stayers’ Hurdle, including Sire Du Berlais and Beacon Edge.

Despite a lacklustre performance in his recent Boyne Hurdle outing at Navan after a 10-month hiatus, Sire Du Berlais, a two-time winner of the Pertemps Final at the Festival, remains a significant consideration for Elliott.

“Sire Du Berlais showed promising form in his recent workout and seems to thrive when the weather is good. His fondness for Cheltenham is evident, and his daily routine includes riding out and swimming twice. He's truly a remarkable horse,"

Elliott shared.

Brighterdaysahead, the unbeaten novice under Elliott's tutelage, is poised to defend her winning streak in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. The five-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, has impressed with three consecutive hurdle victories and holds a special place in the trainer’s esteem.

Elliott expressed,

“Brighterdaysahead continues to impress us with her performances. She has shown great potential, and we believe she could be one of our best. Her attitude, ability to win, and steady progress make her a strong contender.”

After defeating Ballyburn in his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse, Firefox faced disappointment at the Grade One level in Naas earlier this year. Nonetheless, Elliott remains confident that Firefox can showcase his true capabilities in the opening Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park.

Elliott said,

“Firefox faced setbacks post-Naas, but a recent workout in Fairyhouse showed promising signs. With a bit more training, he should be in good shape for the Supreme Novice. He's a talented horse, and despite previous challenges, he stands a good chance - we have come close with less accomplished horses before."

My Trump Card, a horse described by Elliott as possessing a "massive engine," is poised to carry the stable's hopes in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, while Elliott's entries in the Festival's handicap hurdles are always worth considering.

Among the likely contenders nominated for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle are Better Days Ahead, Hollow Games, and Jigoro, while Cleatus Poolaw emerges as a strong contender for the Pertemps Final. Ndaawi and the undefeated Wodhooh provide Elliott with a competitive edge in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Similarly, the County Hurdle sees high-calibre novice King Of Kingsfield and last year’s narrowly beaten runner-up, Pied Piper, expected to deliver strong performances.

Regarding Pied Piper, who is tipped as a standout choice by assistant trainer Lisa O’Neill, Elliott commented,

“Pied Piper will compete in the County Hurdle. Unlucky in last year's race, he has the potential to win with a clear run this time. He's in great form, and we plan to have Danny Gilligan ride him with a 5lb claim."