Teahupoo lands Champion Stayers Hurdle for Kennedy

Teahupoo confirmed himself to be the leading 3m hurdler in training when adding to his Cheltenham success with an even more impressive performance to win the featured Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle on the third day of Punchestown.

That victory could also prove extremely important when it comes to determining the outcome of this seasons jockeys championship, as it pushed winning rider Jack Kennedy back six ahead of Paul Townend in the title race.

Pushed along to head leader Franciscan Rock turning for home with one to jump, Teahupoo was briefly challenged by Townend on Asterion Forlonge However, the formers class soon came to the fore as he quickened up smartly to go clear on the run to the last, powering away to win by six-and-a-half-lengths.

Jack Kennedy said: "Very important obviously. Even without the championship or anything, just delighted for the horse. He has been great to me.

"He is really after stamping his authority on the staying division.

"This lad is brilliant. You can go wherever you want on him. You can make a move and go forward on him without lighting him up or anything."

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “It was great for the horse and great for Jack, he has a big battle and it's going to be a long tough week.

“He said he was stuck in a bit of a pocket behind Paul and he had to get out. He said the ground might be as quick as he wants it but he was very good.

“He's a great horse.”

Owner Brian Acheson added:- “My main thing is about the horse because all the doubters from last year are now put to bed, and it's great for Jack.

“I was really worried coming here because the horse didn't let himself down on the ground last year.

“He was Robbie Power's last ride here in the Champion Hurdle and finished last and I was thinking if it would be in the horse's head. They are emotive creatures and they do remember stuff.

“By God did he give a performance today and I'm delighted.

“It's petrifying, it's torture, because you want the horse to show everybody how good they are.

“That's really important for Jack but Paul Townend isn't going away.”

Paddy Powers went 5-2f from 3/1 Teahupoo for the Stayers Hurdle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.