Bob Olinger brought down the curtain on a memorable career in fairytale fashion when landing the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.

Owner Brian Acheson announced beforehand that the 11-year-old would retire after running today and the gelding duly read the script by landing his fifth Grade 1 and brought his career tally to 11 victories which included three wins at the Cheltenham Festival. Teahupoo also sporting Acheson’s Robcour colours, appeared to have his rivals stretched when asserting after two out but was reeled in by Bob Olinger at the final flight.

Darragh O’Keeffe, who was completing a 190/1 treble on the day and is now just three behind Jack Kennedy in the jump jockeys’ championship, drove the veteran right out on the run-in to hold off the strong late challenge of Jimmy Du Seuil by three-quarters of a length.

Teahupoo couldn’t find any extra on the run-in finishing a further three and a half lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “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.

“Davy Roche, my assistant, said he’s the best horse that’s ever come through our place. That’s a big statement and he is probably a bit biased because he adores him, he’s like his second child.

“I’m delighted for everyone at home, obviously the Achesons and Darragh, what a day he’s had. He’s a class rider and he gave him a brilliant ride.

“It’s really special, it’s one of the top ones. For him to go out like that is what he deserves, it’s typical of him.

“We’ve had some amazing years with him. Brian rang me the other day to say that’s what he was planning to do and I just said ‘spot on, perfect’.

“We’ve been so lucky to be part of his story. Rachael won the Stayers Hurdle on him, the year of covid when he won the Ballymore what a ride she gave him.

“Then we lost him for a little bit but Ger Kelly (vet) in Fethard was brilliant and he found the issue. He went back to Robbie(Power)’s and came back a different horse, the same as he was before.

“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.”

O’Keeffe said, “Days like this are unbelievable. What a horse this fella is and huge credit to everyone at home.

“They got first run on him at Cheltenham so once I got a couple of good jumps before the straight, I put a target on Jack today and I thought he might keep me going a bit longer down to the last.

“He’s been staying really well this year. For an 11-year-old to turn up like this and win a Grade 1 is fantastic.”

Quotes by Gary Carson