Private purchase Teahupoo (Masked Marvel) confirmed himself king of the staying division with a majestic display, becoming the first horse to win the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and follow up in the equivalent race at Punchestown since Anzum in 1999.
He had just two rivals behind him in the early stages but made steady progress to dispute third approaching the third-last, where he got in tight and lost momentum for a couple of strides. Kennedy had to briefly encourage him along but the duo were soon on an even keel and back travelling smoothly as they turned for home. After a great jump at the last he powered clear to destroy his rivals on the run in securing an impressive wide margin victory.
After the race trainer Gordon Elliott said ”Jack said he was very happy with him the whole way. He’s a great horse, we’re very lucky to have him. I’d imagine we’d keep him to hurdles as he looks pretty strong in that division at the moment.
Brian Acheson, of owners Robcour, said: “I was really worried coming here as the horse didn’t let himself down on the ground last year. You just want the horse to show everyone how good they are. This is all about Teahupoo.”
Teahupoo has been an excellent acquisition by connections and has firmly cemented himself at the very top of the stayers division.
