Bob Olinger turned back the clock to capture the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, bringing his long and illustrious racing career to a fitting close. The 11‑year‑old veteran, trained by Henry de Bromhead, produced a masterclass performance that saw him out‑finish the highly‑rated Gordon Elliott runner‑up, Teahupoo, and secure his 11th career win in a race that will be remembered for years to come. The day began with Elliott's Teahupoo heading the betting as the 5/4 favourite, eager to claim a third consecutive triumph in the three‑mile contest.
The French‑bred champion surged to the front early and maintained his lead all the way to the final flight, looking strong and poised to repeat his success. However, the seasoned Bob Olinger, sent off at 4/1 as the second favourite, was never far behind.
By the second last fence he was gaining ground, and when the two Robcour‑owned horses cleared the final hurdle side by side, the race entered its decisive phase. At that moment Olinger, full of vigor despite his age, found an extra gear. Teahupoo began to tire, his stride losing its earlier snap, while Olinger surged ahead, drawing away to finish a length and a half clear. Willie Mullins' Jimmy Du Seuil produced a strong late run to overtake Teahupoo for second place, but he could not close the three‑quarters of a length gap to Olinger, who crossed the line with authority.
The win also gave jockey Darragh O'Keeffe a remarkable treble on the day, as he had already celebrated victories on other rides at the meeting. For de Bromhead, the result was the culmination of a partnership that had delivered countless memorable moments, including three Cheltenham Festival victories with Olinger – the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, the Turners Novices' Chase and, most famously, the Stayers' Hurdle, all ridden by the legendary Rachael Blackmore.
"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 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 that reflected the deep affection the stable staff felt for the gelding, whom they regarded as a second child. The trainer expressed his delight for the connections – the Acheson family, O'Keeffe and everyone involved – noting that Olinger had been a "class rider" and had earned a brilliant ride on the day.
"It's really special, it's one of the top ones. For him to go out like that is what he deserves, it's typical of him," de Bromhead continued. He recalled the long journey, including a period when Olinger fell ill and was treated by veterinarian Ger Kelly in Fethard. "Ger Kelly was brilliant and he found the issue.
He went back to Robbie's (Power) and came back a different horse, the same as he was before," de Bromhead explained, highlighting the resilience that defined Olinger's career. The trainer summed up the emotions of the day: "This is one you savour, just a special day. You dream that they can end like that but plenty of time they don't. To see him go out like that is just phenomenal." The victory not only capped Olinger's own story but also added a final chapter to the narrative of a horse that had become a fixture of Irish National Hunt racing for over a decade.
In other news from the Punchestown meeting, Harry Cobden warmed up for his new role as JP McManus' retained jockey by delivering a dominant performance aboard Salvator Mundi in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase. The 27‑year‑old, set to begin his official duties for the green‑and‑gold owner on Friday, rode the 13/2 chance to a 12‑length victory after the race favourite, Kopek Des Bordes, fell two fences from the finish. Cobden's ride demonstrated his readiness for the high‑profile position and echoed his earlier success at Cheltenham on Kitzbuhel.
Mullins praised Salvator Mundi, noting that the horse had stayed in contention throughout the race and capitalised on the mishap of the favourite. "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 and picked up the pieces. He was going to be involved in the finish. If Kopek had made a mistake there and got away with it, your man was right on his tail." Mullins also commented on the horse's preferences, suggesting that Salvator Mundi performs best on good ground and is more of a spring‑type runner than a winter specialist. The win marked Mullins' 11th consecutive victory in the two‑mile contest, underscoring his dominance in the division.
The Donnelly owners, Marie and Joe, expressed relief after a challenging season. "I'm delighted for Marie and Joe Donnelly.
They've had a disappointing season, but now they have Kitzbuhel and this fella winning," Cobden said, highlighting the emotional lift the victory provided. Regarding Kopek Des Bordes' fall, Mullins offered a measured assessment: "He probably just lost his concentration going to the fence, without horses around him to keep him focused.
He appeared to take off but never put out his landing gear and landed on his knees. I think both horse and rider were very lucky. They seem to be all right, fingers crossed they are." Overall, the Punchestown meeting delivered a blend of nostalgia, triumph, and the promise of new chapters.
Bob Olinger's farewell victory will be etched in racing history as a testament to longevity, class, and the deep bonds forged between horse, trainer, and jockey. Meanwhile, the emerging narratives of Harry Cobden and Salvator Mundi hint at fresh excitement for the upcoming season, ensuring that the sport continues to captivate fans across Ireland and beyond.