'He's a smart performer' - Jordan Gainford talks up Teahupoo

Wednesday: Limerick

After being denied his first Grade 1 success on Sunday, Jordan Gainford gained quick compensation when partnering the progressive Teahupoo to a battling success in the Grade 2 BoyleSports Sporting Limerick Hurdle for Gordon Elliott and Robcour.

Gainford's Sunday mount was Farouk D'Alene, who was touched off in the last stride by Master McShee in the Faugheen Novice Chase.

Teahupoo, a French-bred four-year-old, made it two out of two for the season as he confirmed his superiority over Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios, but it was a much closer call and a much more dramatic outcome than when accounting for the same rival by a dozen lengths at Naas the previous month.

With Gainford setting a steady pace in front, Darragh O'Keeffe attacked on Quilixios before the second-last and opened up a three-length lead quite quickly, but Teahupoo got a flier at the last and overhauled his rival to win by half a length.

"It's great to be getting these opportunities. It's a big team effort and I'm very fortunate and thankful to be a small part of it," said Gainford.

He added: "He was very good. We didn't go mad and he was idling a bit in front, but when he had something to attack over the last two it suited me. He really stuck his neck out and tried. He's a smart performer and definitely one to look forward to for the spring."

Paddy Power cut him to 12-1 (from 16) for the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Tyner dominant

The rest of the day belonged to Kinsale trainer Robert Tyner, who saddled a 72-1 treble. The imposing Big Debates set the ball rolling in the rated novice hurdle as he got the better of a good scrap with the four-year-old Auckland by a length. It completed a double for rider Jack Foley after winning the handicap chase earlier on Regina Dracones.

Tyner said: "They went a good gallop and he had the brains to let them at it. I was worried when he got into the bottom of the last but he picked up again. He could go back over fences next."

Bucket in spades

Tyner has endured a frustrating time with promising young horse Split The Bucket but he came good after a 13-month absence when running out a decisive winner of the 2m3f auction maiden hurdle under Mark Walsh.

With market leader Glengouly exiting five out, it turned into a match which the son of Dylan Thomas won readily by six-and-a-half lengths from second-favourite Mahler Mission.

"We've always liked him but he's had loads of little problems, but I've never been able to get a clear run with him," said Tyner.

Tyner completed his treble and Walsh his double when the JP McManus-owned Womalko justified 5-4 favouritism readily in the concluding 2m3f handicap hurdle.

"The horses are in good form and it's nice to get three on the day," said Tyner. "I think I had a treble at Clonmel one day, but I've had seven trebles in point-to-points."

Results, replays and analysis

FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!

Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.

Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.

Head to the offer page here to find out more!

*T&Cs apply