Bob Olinger turned back the clock to claim the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, capping off a long, illustrious career with a fitting triumph. The race featured Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo, the 5/4 favourite, who was aiming for a third consecutive win over the three‑mile distance. Teahupoo took charge early and held the lead into the final flight, but the contest was far from settled. Henry de Bromhead’s seasoned campaigner began to make up ground by the second last.
When the two Robcour‑owned horses approached the last hurdle together, the 4/1 second‑favourite, Bob Olinger, surged ahead with a burst of speed as Teahupoo started to tire. Willie Mullins’ Jimmy Du Seuil rallied strongly and passed the fading Teahupoo to secure second place, yet he could not close the three‑quarters of a length gap to Olinger. The 11‑year‑old veteran crossed the line for his 11th victory, delivering jockey Darragh O'Keeffe a memorable treble on the day. The win marks the final chapter of a career that has gifted his connections a host of unforgettable moments.
Olinger has triumphed three times at the Cheltenham Festival – winning the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, the Turners Novices' Chase and the Stayers' Hurdle – all aboard the same mount with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle. De Bromhead summed up the sentiment, saying, "He read the script thankfully; he was brilliant and Darragh was brilliant on him. What a horse to have had. He's given us so many incredible days.
He's got a gear and he's just pure class, he always has been." Assistant trainer Davy Roche added his admiration, calling Olinger "the best horse that's ever come through our place," a statement born of genuine affection. Roche likened the horse to a second child, highlighting the deep bond that had formed over the years. The trainer expressed delight for the whole team – the Achesons, O'Keeffe and everyone involved – noting that Olinger had delivered a "class ride" and a performance befitting his stature.
Reflecting on the journey, de Bromhead recalled the many milestones. He remembered Brian Acheson's call confirming the retirement plan and his immediate approval: "Spot on, perfect." He also highlighted Rachael Blackmore's role in the Stayers' Hurdle win and her ride in the Ballymore during the Covid‑affected season, describing it as "what a ride she gave him." When Olinger faced a setback, veterinary surgeon Ger Kelly in Fethard identified the problem and, after a stint at Robbie Power's yard, the horse returned to his previous form, essentially unchanged. The trainer summed up the day as "one you savour," a special moment that many owners only dream of.
He noted that while many horses do not get to retire on a high, Olinger was fortunate to finish his career in spectacular fashion – a fitting end for a horse of his calibre. In related news, Harry Cobden warmed up for his new role as JP McManus' retained jockey by taking advantage of a late fall from Kopek Des Bordes on Salvator Mundi in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase. The 27‑year‑old is set to start his new appointment on Friday, and his performance echoed a previous success at the Cheltenham Festival on Kitzbuhel, where he also wore the iconic yellow and black colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly. Salvator Mundi, a 13/2 contender, was trailing the 4/11 favourite Kopek Des Bordes when the latter fell two fences from home.
The Irish‐trained horse stayed close to his fallen stablemate, inherited a narrow lead, and galloped away to win by twelve lengths over Irish Panther, giving Willie Mullins his 11th consecutive victory in the two‑mile contest. Mullins praised Salvator Mundi, 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. If Kopek had made a mistake there and got away with it, your man was right on his tail." He added that the horse had struggled to find the right conditions in recent seasons, noting, "He probably needs nice ground, he's probably more of a spring horse than a real winter horse." The trainer also expressed his happiness for the Donnellys, who had endured a disappointing season but now have both Kitzbuhel and Salvator Mundi delivering top‑class performances.
Regarding Kopek Des Bordes, Mullins explained the fall: "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." Both stories underscore the unpredictable drama and deep emotional connections that define National Hunt racing.
Whether it is a seasoned champion like Bob Olinger ending his career on a high note, or a younger horse seizing an unexpected opportunity after a rival’s misstep, the sport continues to deliver moments that resonate with trainers, jockeys, owners and fans alike. The narratives also highlight the crucial role of veterinarians, trainers, and support staff in maintaining horse welfare and performance, ensuring that each race is not just a contest of speed but a testament to teamwork, perseverance, and the enduring bond between human and equine athletes.