Bob Olinger turned back the clock to claim the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, providing a fitting finale to a long, illustrious career that has dazzled racing fans for more than a decade. The 11‑year‑old veteran, trained by Henry de Bromhead, faced a strong field headlined by Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo, the 5/4 favourite aiming for a third successive win over the three‑mile distance.
Teahupoo set the pace early and led the pack all the way to the final hurdle, appearing to be on course for another triumph. However, as the race entered its closing stages, the battle intensified. De Bromhead’s stalwart, Bob Olinger, began to make steady progress, gaining ground on the leader.
When the two Robour‑owned contenders cleared the last fence together, the 4/1 second‑favourite surged ahead, showing a burst of speed that left Teahupoo beginning to tire. Willie Mullins’ Jimmy Du Seuil, who had been making a late charge, managed to overtake the fading Teahupoo for second place, but he could not close the three‑quarters of a length gap to Olinger, who crossed the line first. The win marked Olinger’s 11th career victory and gave jockey Darragh O’Keeffe a remarkable treble on the day, as he also rode other winners at the meeting. The triumph was especially poignant because it was the final race of Olinger’s career, a campaign that has already produced a host of unforgettable moments.
The horse has previously won three races at the Cheltenham Festival – the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, the Turners Novices’ Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle – all aboard the legendary Rachael Blackmore, cementing his status as one of the most versatile and durable stayers of his generation. "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 a personal note, calling Olinger "the best horse that's ever come through our place," a statement that reflects the deep affection the stable staff have for the gelding. "It's a big statement and I'm probably a bit biased because I adore him; he's like a second child," Roche admitted. The trainer also praised jockey Darragh O’Keeffe, describing him as a "class rider" who delivered a "brilliant ride" on the day. "I'm delighted for everyone at home – the Achesons, Darragh – what a day he's had.
It's really special, one of the top ones. For him to go out like that is what he deserves; it's typical of him," de Bromhead continued.
The decision to retire Olinger had been discussed with the Acheson family, and Brian Acheson confirmed the plan weeks earlier. "Brian rang me the other day to say that's what he was planning to do and I just said ‘spot on, perfect’," de Bromhead recalled. The trainer reflected on the partnership with Rachael Blackmore, noting her rides in the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle during the COVID‑affected 2020 season as highlights of their collaboration. Olinger’s career was not without setbacks.
A health scare earlier in the year required intervention from veteran vet Ger Kelly in Fethard, who identified and treated the underlying issue. After a brief spell away from the track, Olinger returned to his trainer Robbie Power and emerged as the same high‑class performer he had always been.
"He went back to Robbie’s and came back a different horse, the same as he was before," de Bromhead explained. The victory at Punchestown will be remembered as a storybook ending for a horse that has consistently delivered on the biggest stages. "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," de Bromhead concluded, highlighting the rarity of a champion being able to retire on a high note. Beyond Olinger’s farewell, the Punchestown meeting produced other notable moments. Harry Cobden, preparing for his new role as JP McManus’s 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, showcased his skill earlier in the season with a win on Kitzbuhel at the Cheltenham Festival, and his performance on Salvator Mundi reinforced his reputation as a rising star in Irish racing. The race itself unfolded dramatically. The 4/11 favourite Kopek Des Bordes, ridden by Paul Townend, appeared set to finish the season on a high note, taking a commanding lead before falling with two fences left. Salvator Mundi, who had been staying close to the leader’s tail, seized the opportunity and surged ahead, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin over Irish Panther and delivering 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 Des Bordes’ fall was likely due to a momentary loss of concentration, noting that both horse and rider were fortunate to escape injury.
The day’s events underscored the depth of talent across Irish National Hunt racing, with seasoned veterans like Bob Olinger delivering a final flourish, while emerging talents such as Harry Cobden and horses like Salvator Mundi announced their arrival on the big stage. Fans were treated to a blend of nostalgia and excitement, reminding everyone why Punchestown remains a cornerstone of the Irish racing calendar.
For those who want to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and features, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide comprehensive coverage across its platforms, including WhatsApp, where fans can receive real‑time updates, video highlights, and expert analysis. The network’s commitment to delivering timely, in‑depth content ensures that enthusiasts never miss a beat, whether they are following the careers of legendary stayers like Bob Olinger or tracking the next generation of champions poised to make their mark.