Bob Olinger turned back the clock to claim the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, delivering a storybook finale to a long and illustrious racing career. The 11‑year‑old veteran, trained by Henry de Bromhead, faced Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo, the 5/4 favourite who was aiming for a third consecutive win in the three‑mile contest.
Teahupoo set the pace early and held the lead down to the final flight, but Olinger was steadily gaining ground as the race entered its closing stages. When the two Robcour‑owned horses leapt the last hurdle together, the second‑favourite at 4/1, Bob Olinger, landed with a burst of momentum while Teahupoo began to lose steam.
Willie Mullins’ Jimmy Du Seuil surged past the fading favourite to take second place, but he could not erase the three‑quarters of a length advantage that Olinger held. The win marked Olinger’s 11th career victory and gave jockey Darragh O'Keeffe a remarkable treble on the day, having also ridden the winners of the other two Punchestown feature races.
The triumph was the culminating chapter of a career that has produced countless highlights for his connections. Olinger has already secured three Cheltenham Festival victories – the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, the Turners Novices' Chase and the Stayers' Hurdle – all achieved in partnership with champion rider Rachael Blackmore. De Bromhead summed up the occasion with emotion: “He read the script perfectly; both he and Darragh were brilliant.
What a horse to have had. He’s got a gear and pure class, just as he always has.” Assistant trainer Davy Roche, who has worked closely with the horse for years, called Olinger “the best horse that has ever come through our yard”, adding that his affection for the gelding was akin to that of a second child. “I’m delighted for everyone at home – the Achesons, Darragh – what a day he’s had. He’s a class rider and gave him a brilliant ride,” Roche said, praising the synergy between horse and jockey.
The connections reflected on the journey that led to this final victory. “It’s truly special – one of the top moments of his career. To go out on a high like this is exactly what he deserves; it’s typical of his character,” de Bromhead continued. He recalled a recent phone call from Brian Acheson, who confirmed the decision to retire the horse, a plan that de Bromhead described as “spot on, perfect”.
Rachael Blackmore also shared her memories, recalling the 2020 Stayers' Hurdle win during the Covid‑impacted season and the earlier Ballymore victory, both of which showcased Olinger’s versatility and tenacity. The pair faced a setback when Olinger fell ill, but thanks to the expertise of veterinarian Ger Kelly in Fethard, the issue was identified and treated. After a brief spell at Robbie Power’s yard, Olinger returned to his peak form, “the same as he was before”, ready to finish his career on a high note. The win was celebrated by Sky Sports Racing, which highlighted the broader context of the meeting.
In the same program, Harry Cobden, newly appointed retained jockey for JP McManus, used the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase as a warm‑up, riding Salvator Mundi to a 12‑length victory after the favourite, Kopek Des Bordes, fell at the second last fence. Cobden, who will officially start his McManus duties on Friday, demonstrated his adaptability by switching from the yellow and black colours of the Donnellys to the green and gold of his new employer, echoing his earlier success on Kitzbuhel at the Cheltenham Festival. Mullins praised Salvator Mundi’s performance, noting that the horse stayed close to the leading runner’s “coat‑tails” and was ready to pounce when the favourite unseated.
“He’s a good horse in his own right,” Mullins said. “He was right on the premises; it wasn’t as if he was 20 lengths behind.
If Kopek had made a mistake, he would have been right on his tail.” Mullins added that the gelding prefers softer ground and is more of a spring‑type horse than a winter performer, explaining his strong showing on the day. The Donnelly owners, Joe and Marie, expressed relief after a disappointing season, celebrating both Kitzbuhel’s resurgence and Salvator Mundi’s decisive win. Regarding Kopek Des Bordes, Mullins explained that the horse likely lost concentration approaching the fence, resulting in a fall that could have been serious for both horse and rider. “Both were very lucky; they seem to be all right,” he said, hoping for a swift recovery.
Overall, Punchestown delivered a memorable weekend of racing drama, with Bob Olinger’s farewell victory standing out as a fitting end to a career that combined consistency, class, and a touch of magic. The horse’s legacy will endure in the memories of fans, trainers, and jockeys who witnessed his rise, his battles, and now his final triumph. The story serves as a reminder of the deep bonds that can form between humans and horses in the sport, and how a well‑managed career can culminate in a moment that feels both inevitable and extraordinary.