Teahupoo too good for Christmas Hurdle rivals Teahupoo reversed Cheltenham form with Bob Olinger, as the Robcour-owned pair led home their rivals in the Christmas Hurdle. Successful in the Hatton's Grace on his return at Fairyhouse last month, the Gordon Elliott-trained victor was sent off a 5/2 chance this afternoon. Settled in mid-division by Jack Kennedy, the now seven-time Grade 1 winner went second four out and hit the front shortly after the penultimate obstacle. Travelling best and surging clear on the long run to the final flight, the ultra-consistent eight-year-old kept up the gallop on the run-in and was seven lengths clear on crossing the line. Given a patient ride by Darragh O'Keeffe, Bob Olinger (11/1) finished a fine second on what was his first start since March. Returned the 13/8 favourite, Ballyburn was another seven lengths away in third. "He was good. You'd be nervous looking at him halfway through a race, as he always looks like he's going as fast as he can, but that's the way he races," said Elliott. "He's a good horse and the faster they went, the better. He can do it every way. "Years ago when you were looking at Big Buck's and Inglis Drever, they always said they were behind the bridle the whole way and that's the exact same way that he races. "He's a great horse and we're lucky to have him. "Jack was delighted and said he felt as good as ever. He didn't do a lot when he got there! He pulls himself up but that's what he is." When it was put to him that Teahupoo was taking his racing better this season, he said:- "I don't know if he ever wasn't taking them that well. Sometimes we can be guilty of not letting people see these horses enough. "You can see the cheer he got when he came in, that's what people need to see - these good horses coming out. "It was a big rematch with Ballyburn and if Ballyburn had won, he would have gotten as big a reception because he's a champion as well. We can't forget about Bob Olinger, he's some horse as well." Kennedy added: "He is unbelievable. I wasn't overly happy throughout the race. He was never one to do too much, but he is gone fairly lazy now. When we jumped to the front at the second-last and I sent him on into the straight, he picked up and done it well. "When I passed Paul (Townend on Ballyburn) down the back, he sort of came alive under me and when he was gone away from him, he sort of went asleep again. When he jumped to the front, he picked up and went away again. "He has been some horse to me, and some horse to everyone who has been involved with him. It's hard to get ones like him." Elliott and Kennedy were completing a double on the day, having claimed the opener with Lazare De Star. STEWARDS REPORT * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ballyburn, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
