Teahupoo set to defend Hatton’s Grace title with flying colors
Defending Champion Teahupoo Leads Strong Gordon Elliott Squad
In a highly anticipated event next month, the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle will see defending champion Teahupoo leading a strong squad from trainer Gordon Elliott. Last year, the six-year-old made history by defeating fan-favorite Honeysuckle in the Fairyhouse Grade One race and went on to deliver an impressive performance in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival. Although he finished third behind his stablemate Sire Du Berlais, Elliott believes that Teahupoo has room for improvement this season and could emerge as one of the top contenders in the staying hurdling division.
Elliott expressed his confidence in Teahupoo’s form, stating: “He’s doing really well and is in great shape. He will be participating in both the Hatton’s Grace and Leopardstown races during Christmas.” With expected progress since last year, it is likely that Teahupoo will be a force to be reckoned with among other talented stayers.
Sire Du Berlais, an 11-year-old veteran trained by Elliott, is also poised to make his return after being crowned Stayers’ Hurdle champion earlier this year. Despite his unimpressive appearance and laid-back demeanor at home, Sire Du Berlais proved himself on multiple occasions at prestigious events such as Cheltenham Festival and Aintree. According to Elliott: “He’s truly a horse of a lifetime; we’re lucky to have him.”
The December event holds high stakes for Elliott as he holds seven entries for the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. Another contender is Irish Point, a Grade One winner over two-and-a-half miles at Aintree in spring. Having recently claimed victory in the Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal, Elliott is considering running him in the upcoming race.
Elliott mentioned: “Irish Point might be a difficult horse to place. I wouldn’t be surprised if he participates in the Hatton’s Grace; however, I’m still contemplating whether to push him for three-mile races.” While recognizing Irish Point’s potential to excel over longer distances, Elliott remains cautious about pushing his young horse too soon.
Looking ahead to March, Elliott is already eyeing Cheltenham Festival with Gigginstown-owned Brighterdaysahead. The mare has displayed impressive form by securing back-to-back victories over timber and may compete in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. Commenting on her progress, Elliott said: “She has a big engine and looks promising; one more run before Cheltenham seems likely.”
Croke Park, another hopeful owned by Gigginstown Studs and trained by Elliott, demonstrated his capabilities with a triumph in the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan on Sunday. This success positions him as a strong candidate for participation in the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle early next year.
Summarizing Croke Park’s performance, Elliott stated: “He was exceptional—a big horse with immense potential. After addressing some minor issues from last year, it looks like we’ll head to Naas for Lawlor’s.” Adding that Croke Park excels as a future three-mile chaser, Elliott remains optimistic about his career prospects.