Bob Olinger turned back the clock to secure the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, bringing his long and illustrious racing career to a fitting close. The 11‑year‑old veteran, owned by the Robcour family, delivered a masterclass performance that saw him out‑finish the season‑favorite, Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo, and claim his eleventh win overall.
Teahupoo, the 5/4 favourite, entered the three‑mile contest with the ambition of a third consecutive triumph. He set the pace early and led the field right up to the final flight, appearing to have the race sewn up. However, Henry de Bromhead’s seasoned campaigner, Bob Olinger, began to make steady progress by the second last. When the two Robcour‑owned horses cleared the last hurdle together, Olinger, the 4/1 second‑favourite, surged ahead with a burst of speed that left Teahupoo beginning to tire.
Willie Mullins’ Jimmy Du Seuil rallied strongly in the closing stages, overtaking Teahupoo for second place, but he could not erase the three‑quarters of a length margin that Olinger had built. The win not only marked Olinger’s 11th career victory but also gave his regular rider Darragh O'Keeffe a remarkable treble on the day, as O'Keeffe also rode the winners of the other two Punchestown feature races.
The victory caps a career that will be remembered for its consistency and class. Olinger has previously triumphed at the Cheltenham Festival on three occasions, each time partnering the talented Rachael Blackmore. He captured the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, the Turners Novices' Chase and, most recently, the Stayers' Hurdle – all in the same festival, a rare and impressive feat that cemented his status among the greats of National Hunt racing. "He read the script thankfully; he was brilliant and Darragh was brilliant on him.
What a horse to have had," de Bromhead said in the post‑race interview. "He's given us so many incredible days. He's got a gear and he's just pure class, he always has been." De Bromhead’s assistant, Davy Roche, added his admiration, calling Olinger "the best horse that's ever come through our place," a statement he admitted was coloured by his affection for the gelding, likening him to a second child.
The trainer expressed his delight for everyone involved – the Acheson family, O'Keeffe and the wider stable – noting that the horse had been a "class rider" and deserved a finish that reflected his lifelong excellence. The connections reflected on the many memorable moments Olinger provided over the years. Brian Acheson recalled a phone call in which de Bromhead confirmed his retirement plans, to which Acheson replied, "spot on, perfect." The trainer highlighted the partnership with Blackmore, recalling her winning the Stayers' Hurdle on Olinger and her superb ride in the Ballymore during the Covid‑impacted season. When Olinger suffered a setback a few seasons ago, the veteran vet Ger Kelly in Fethard identified the underlying issue and oversaw a successful treatment.
After a brief spell away from the track, Olinger returned to Robbie Power’s care and emerged as the same high‑class performer he had always been. De Bromhead summed up the day as "one you savour," noting that while many owners hope for a fairy‑tale ending, few actually see their star horse retire on a high note. The news article then shifted focus to other Punchestown action. Harry Cobden, preparing for his new role as JP McManus’ retained jockey, rode Salvator Mundi to a dominant 12‑length victory in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase.
Cobden, who will officially start his McManus duties on Friday, had previously showcased his talent on Kitzbuhel at the Cheltenham Festival, and his performance on Salvator Mundi reinforced his reputation as a rising star. The race itself unfolded dramatically. The 4/11 favourite, Kopek Des Bordes, who had been the Paul Townend‑ridden Arkle runner‑up, led comfortably until a misstep at the second last fence caused him to fall. Salvator Mundi, who had been tracking the leader’s tail, seized the opportunity and galloped away to claim an emphatic win, giving Willie Mullins his 11th consecutive victory in the two‑mile contest.
Mullins praised the winner, saying, "He's a good horse in his own right. He was right on the premises; it wasn't as if he was 20 lengths behind and picked up the pieces. He was going to be involved in the finish." He added that Kopek’s error appeared to be a loss of concentration, noting the horse landed on his knees but both horse and rider escaped unharmed. The broader story underscored the resilience and depth of Irish racing, with owners Joe and Marie Donnelly finding solace after a challenging season as their horses secured high‑profile wins.
The article concluded with a reminder to follow Sky Sports for the latest updates, videos, and analysis across the sport. Overall, Bob Olinger’s farewell at Punchestown will be remembered as a textbook example of a champion exiting on his own terms – a blend of talent, training, and the unwavering partnership of jockey and trainer that defined his remarkable career.