Bob Olinger turned back the clock to capture the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, bringing his illustrious racing life to a fitting close. The 11‑year‑old veteran, trained by Henry de Bromhead, proved that age was no barrier as he out‑finished a field that included the season’s dominant three‑mile hurdler, Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo. Teahupoo started as the 5/4 favourite, aiming for a third consecutive win in the three‑mile contest. He dictated the pace early and held the lead into the final flight, looking strong enough to repeat his recent triumphs.
However, by the second last hurdle Bob Olinger, who was backed at 4/1, began to gain ground. When the two Robcour‑owned horses cleared the last fence together, Olinger surged ahead, showing a burst of stamina that left Teahupoo beginning to tire. Willie Mullins’ Jimmy Du Seuil produced a late charge and passed the fading Teahupoo to take second place, but he could not close the three‑quarters of a length gap to Olinger. The win marked Olinger’s 11th career victory and gave jockey Darragh O’Keeffe a remarkable treble on the day, as he also rode the runner‑up and a third‑placed horse.
The triumph caps a career that will be remembered for its consistency and class. Olinger previously won three Cheltenham Festival races – the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, the Turners Novices' Chase and the Stayers' Hurdle – all while partnered with Rachael Blackmore. De Bromhead summed up the occasion, saying, “He read the script perfectly; both he and Darragh were brilliant.
What a horse to have had. He’s got the gear, pure class, and has given us countless incredible days.” Assistant trainer Davy Roche, who has worked closely with the horse, added, “He’s the best horse that’s ever come through our yard. That’s a big statement, but I’m biased – he’s like a second child to me.” The trainer praised jockey Darragh O’Keeffe, noting his “classy ride” that helped Olinger finish the season in style.
De Bromhead reflected on the planning that led to the retirement, recalling a conversation with owner Brian Acheson: “He called me the other day and said that was the plan. I said, ‘Spot on, perfect.’ We’ve been lucky to be part of his story.” He also highlighted the pivotal role of veterinarian Ger Kelly in Fethard, who identified and treated a lingering issue, allowing Olinger to return to his former self. The victory was described as “one you savour,” a perfect ending to a career that many owners and fans dream of but rarely achieve.
The horse’s resilience after a brief setback, his return to form, and his final performance all contributed to a narrative that will be celebrated for years. In related news, Harry Cobden prepared for his new appointment as JP McManus’ retained jockey by riding Salvator Mundi to a dominant win in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase. The 27‑year‑old, who will officially join the green and gold team on Friday, showed his versatility by switching from the yellow and black colors of the Donnelly family to the McManus silks and delivering a 12‑length victory after the favourite, Kopek Des Bordes, fell at the second last fence. Mullins praised Salvator Mundi, saying, “He’s a good horse in his own right.
He was right there on the premises, not 20 lengths back, and was ready to be involved in the finish. If Kopek had made a mistake, he would have been right on his tail.” The trainer added that the horse likely prefers softer ground and may be more of a spring‑type runner than a true winter performer. The Donnelly owners expressed their relief after a disappointing season, noting that the win with Salvator Mundi offers a bright spot alongside their other horse, Kitzbuhel.
Regarding Kopek Des Bordes, Mullins explained that the horse “probably lost concentration going to the fence without other horses around him to keep him focused,” and both horse and rider were fortunate to escape injury. Overall, the Punchestown meeting delivered a mix of emotional farewells and promising new beginnings, underscoring the ever‑changing landscape of National Hunt racing. Bob Olinger’s final gallop will be remembered as a testament to durability, training excellence, and the deep bonds between horse, trainer, jockey, and owner.
The sport’s fans can look forward to more stories of triumph and transition as the season moves forward.