Kennedy offers no excuses for Teahupoo eclipse

Jack Kennedy made no excuses for Teahupoo after he relinquished his title in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The bay, who is trained by Gordon Elliott, was one of two horses in the race to run in the white, pink and black silks of owners Robour.

The other was Bob Olinger, who was an 8-1 chance as Teahupoo headed the market as the 7-4 favourite in his bid to regain the trophy.

The former horse, a 10-year-old, rolled back the years under Rachael Blackmore to relegate Teahupoo to second place ahead of stablemate The Wallpark, meaning Elliott’s wait for a first winner of the meeting continued.

“No excuse, really. Maybe if the ground was a shade slower it would have taken the sting out of the other lad a little bit, but no excuse,” Kennedy said of the run.

“I was probably left (in front) a little bit early, but he’s a genuine horse who would gallop away in front there.

“I sort of knew Rachael was going fairly well – well, I knew there was something beside me, I didn’t know exactly what it was.

“Bob Olinger is a horse with loads of ability and he’s just put it all together today.”

Elliott added: “Teahupoo ran a blinder, the quicker ground beat him I’d say but otherwise I was very happy.

“I’d say next year we won’t be leaving him the whole year for the one race.

“The Wallpark ran an absolute blinder and I’m delighted with him.”

Declan Queally’s Rocky’s Diamond was fourth at 28-1 under Shane Fitzgerald, a run his trainer was incredibly proud of.

He said: “He’s so genuine, I’m thrilled with him.

“Shane said he couldn’t believe how strong he hit the line, it was unreal.

“I’m just delighted with him, we’ve a lot to look forward to.”