Teahupoo (Masked Marvel) captures the Grade 2 Boylesports Sporting Limerick Hurdle for Gordon Elliott and owners Robcour with a gutsy display.
Jordan Gainford dictated the pace on 8/15F Teahupoo before Darragh O’Keeffe made his move on Quilixios turning for home. Soon in front, Quilixios was three lengths clear when winging the final flight, but landed a little steeply, affording his rival a chance. And Teahupoo rallied gamely, staying on in great style to wrestle back the initiative close home and score by a half-length.
Teahupoo was making it four wins from five starts since joining Elliott. And a delighted Gainford explained, “We didn’t go mad and he was a bit idle in front. But it suited when Darragh went on and my fellow has something to attack over the last two. He put his neck out and tried hard for me. He winged the last two, when it was needed. He’s a smart horse, one to look forward to in the spring.”
This win took Teahupoo’s record to 5 wins from 6 starts and was also his third at Graded level since EBS purchased him privately from France. He looks like a very exciting prospect for connections who will surely now be working back from The Champion Hurdle.
