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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Teahupoo digs deep to land Limerick feature

Wed 29th Dec 2021, 14:37

Teahupoo (left) challenges Quilixios on the run-inTeahupoo (left) challenges Quilixios on the run-in
© Photo Healy Racing

Teahupoo rallied strongly in the closing stages to get the better of Quilixios and justify odds-on favouritism in the featured Grade 2 BoyleSports Sporting Limerick Hurdle.

Jordan Gainford set a steady pace on the 8/15 favourite but was headed approaching the penultimate flight by Quilixios, who soon asserted to go a few lengths clear.

However, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding found plenty for pressure on the run-in and got up in the closing stages to score by half-a-length. Slip Of The Tongue was a further five-and-a-half lengths away in third.

Teahupoo won a Grade 2 and a Grade 3 as a juvenile earlier this year, and has now emulated that feat this term having made a successful reappearance in the Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas last month.

Gainford said, “He was a bit idle in front and we didn’t go mad. It actually suited me when I had something to attack at over the last two. He really put his neck out for me and tries.

“He winged the last two and is a smart horse to look forward to in the spring.”

Teahupoo was trimmed into 12/1 (from 16/1) for the Champion Hurdle with Betfair and Paddy Power.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.