Elliott's Teahupoo stuns Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse

Given the form Gordon Elliott has been of late it probably shouldn't be a major surprise that one of his charges Teahupoo claimed the Bar One Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse today, but that fact that Jack Kennedy steered the 20/1 shot to victory over the previous unbeaten Honeysuckle sent shockwaves through the racing world.

Henry De Bromhead's mare has begun her season by winning this contest in each of the last three years and went to post looking to create history by becoming the first four-time winner of the Grade One hurdle.

Everything seemed to be going to plan for the eight-year-old and Rachael Blackmore when they cruised to the lead two from home.

However she couldn't shake off the challenge of Klassical Dream and Teahupoo who were in striking distance at the final flight, and it was Elliott's charge who kicked on to prevail on the line.

"It's a horse race and unfortunately she got beaten and that's it. We've had some run with her for so long and there we go. They're going to get beaten one day. She's been incredible and fair play to the winner," admitted DeBromhead.

Teahupoo had been beaten by Honeysuckle at both Cheltenham and Punchestown last term, but Elliott felt conditions may have been against his charge on those occasions, with Fairyhouse's soft ground a much better fit.

"He was very good last year on soft ground and we ran him on good ground a couple of times which was probably a mistake but we are still learning about the horse. Jack gave him a wonderful ride. He let it all happen in front of him and there is only one winning post. It’s been a brilliant day with two Grade Ones and we were only beaten a head for three," said Elliott.

Elliott's first winner of the day came when Punitive scored under Jordan Gainsford in the Bar One Racing Porterstown Handicap Chase (Grade B).

A three-time winner when owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Punitive was bought by current connections for just £4,000 at Goffs in September.

He made rapid headway from the second last and hit the front before the final fence, keeping on well from there to score by two-and-a-half lengths from elliott's other horse, 4/1 favourite, Fakiera.

"Maybe it was for luck that he went early in the Troytown. The conditions suited him and he likes the trip - it was a good performance. He'll probably head to Gowran Park now for the Thyestes. It looks the race to go for on soft ground," said Elliott.

Mighty Potter (3/1) made a statement in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase to give Elliott his seventh win in the race.

A dual Grade One winner over hurdles last season, he added his third top-table prize and first over fences when landing the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One by a cosy four-and-a-half lengths.

One of two in the race for the contest's most successful handler, Mighty Potter was always up with the pace in the hands of Jack Kennedy and produced an exhibition of galloping and jumping.

"He was brilliant and Jack gave him a wonderful ride. I’m delighted for Andrew and Gemma Brown, Caldwell Construction and Joey (Logan) who buys the horses for them - it's a big team effort," said Elliott.

"The staff at home are working so hard and to come here today with two winners and a Grade One is brilliant.

"Jack schooled him last Monday and I was happy when I saw the smile on him after he came back in. He's still very immature but he’s a good horse. He won two Grade Ones last year and we're lucky to have him.

"I would imagine he'll stay at this distance. We don’t need to rush him. We'll enjoy today and see what happens. The second horse is a second-season novice and was placed in the Irish National and they are clear of the rest."

Elliott completed his three timer when Better Days Ahead won the Bumper in the colours of Bective Stud.

The opening race on today's card went to Gavin Cromwell's Malina Girl ran out a good winner of the Bar One Racing Sign Up Bet 10 Get 50 Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase.

Settled in mid-division by Luke Dempsey, she was fifth halfway, taking closer order from four out. She responded well when ridden away from the second last and soon closed on the leaders.

In front shortly after the final fence, she stretched clear on the run-in and came home five-lengths to the good in the colours of the Pique Syndicate.

"The soft ground brought her stamina into play over the trip and for a small mare she's very good to jump. It’s a nice pot," Cromwell commented.

"I bought her in an August sale for €7,500 and she's won a bumper, an auction maiden hurdle and a beginners chase and a five grand bonus for winning each race and a ten grand sales voucher for winning the auction race. She's been some money-spinner."