Tee-poo-poo made a notable impression at Fairyhouse on Sunday, and owner Brian Acheson is eagerly anticipating the return of trainer Gordon Elliott’s other top horses, Irish Point and reigning Stayers Hurdle champion Bob Olinger, over the Christmas period. Acheson’s Robcoeur stable has set a strong standard in long-distance hurdles, with Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger preventing Tee-poo-poo from securing back-to-back wins at the Cheltenham Festival in March—an exciting prospect for the prominent Prestbury Park owners.
Following Tee-poo-poo’s hat-trick victory in the Hutton’s Grace, focus now shifts to the busy Christmas racing schedule. Bob Olinger is expected to compete either in the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle on December 29 or return to the Cheltenham L’Erkeel Hurdle, which he triumphed in on New Year’s Day 2024. “Bob Olinger is in excellent condition and will likely race at Leopardstown or Cheltenham this Christmas,” said Acheson.
There’s some debate about Irish Point’s holiday schedule as well, with one horse planned for Leopardstown and the other for the L’Erkeel race—which Acheson’s team sponsors and strongly supports due to its prestigious history and notable winners. Despite Tee-poo-poo and Bob Olinger’s highlights at Cheltenham, Irish Point, who finished second to Statesman in the 2024 Champion Hurdle, has been sidelined since competing in the French equivalent race later that year. Acheson is thrilled to have the seven-year-old back in action and is also excited about the potential return of Hidden Valley Lake, last year’s Liverpool Hurdle winner, who aims to improve on his narrow Long Walk Hurdle defeat at Ascot.
“We hope to see Irish Point return to top form, and we’re keen to watch Hidden Valley Lake continue competing in this division,” Acheson added. “He’s heading to Ascot for the Long Walk, where he narrowly lost to Crumbo last year.”
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights top contenders preparing for key winter races, promising intense competition and memorable moments. The return of these elite horses could elevate the sport’s excitement, attracting more fans and showcasing the depth of talent in National Hunt racing.
