Teahupoo Defends Crown in Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown

Teahupoo successfully defended his Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle title at the Punchestown Festival, marking a strong comeback after finishing runner-up in both the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse and the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this season. Under jockey Sam Ewing, who stepped in for the injured Jack Kennedy, Teahupoo traveled strongly before pulling away to win by over four lengths, giving Ewing his first Grade 1 success at the meeting. Trainer Gordon Elliott praised Teahupoo's resilience, describing the horse as a 'star' who has repeatedly delivered in crucial moments. The victory was especially significant as it ended a winless stretch for Teahupoo this campaign, having skipped Aintree due to unsuitable ground. The field included notable challengers such as Asterion Forlonge and Winter Fog, but Teahupoo's superior stamina and tactical ride proved decisive. This back-to-back win places Teahupoo alongside some of the sport's top multiple winners in the Grade 1 event.