Teahupoo earns Champion quotes but Blackmore dominates with stunning four-timer

Saturday: Naas

Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios and Punchestown Champion Four Year Old Hurdle victor Jeff Kidder faced off against each other once more in the Grade 3 BetVictor Fishery Lane Hurdle, but in the end neither were a match for the Gordon Elliott-trained Teahupoo as he recorded an impressive success and, in the process, earned a 16-1 quote for the Champion Hurdle from Paddy Power.

The winner was returned the 2-1 second favourite having suffered his only previous defeat at the hands of Jeff Kidder at Fairyhouse over Easter, but he looked a much-improved performer here under Jack Kennedy.

In a stop-start race, Rachael Blackmore on Quilixios decided to inject a bit of pace into the race from about halfway, but the Triumph Hurdle winner looked distinctly vulnerable turning in as Teahupoo and Autumn Evening loomed up on the outer.

The latter unseated Sean O'Keeffe after a terrible blunder two out, after which Teahupoo took over and quickened away down to the final flight, eventually scoring by a dozen lengths from Quilixios with Jeff Kidder a never-dangerous third, a further eight lengths adrift.

Kennedy said: "He was very good. I felt I had Autumn Evening covered when he fell and he did it well. He's a lovely horse.

"I reluctantly had to go forward early on, but he wasn't really going that hard in front. When Rachael went on I was much happier and he picked them up well and stayed galloping. He jumped brilliantly. I hadn't ridden him in a race before, but I think he's improved."

The runner-up's trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I was disappointed with that. He will strip fitter, but he was hanging right and jumping right which is not him and there might be something niggly there. We might have to look at that."

Unibet Champion Hurdle (March 15, 2022)
Paddy Power: 7-4 Honeysuckle, 10 Echoes In Rain, 14 Epatante, Ferny Hollow, 16 Appreciate It, Teahupoo, Zanahiyr, 20 bar

Blackmore dominates

The remainder of the day belonged to Rachael Blackmore as she rode the first four-timer of her career. All four were short-priced favourites, but it is unusual for all to work out as well as they did on this occasion.

The most significant win was probably that of Captain Guinness in the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase, the son of Arakan possibly putting up the best performance of his chase career as he readily disposed of the challenge of Andy Dufresne by four and three-quarter lengths.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "He settled really well today which is key to him. It was just what we wanted. We always thought he was a brilliant jumper and we're back on track. We have plenty to look forward to with him."

Captain Guinness and Rachael Blackmore win the Poplar Square ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

De Bromhead went on to complete a double and Blackmore her four-timer when 11-10 favourite Mr Incredible made a winning chase debut in the 2m3f beginners chase, although it was far from straightforward.

A number of early fallers meant plenty of loose horses had their input at the death. Blackmore had plenty to do turning in and had almost accepted defeat two out, but her mount started to pick up coming to the last and the presence of a trio of loose horses on the run to the line probably helped him as he surged clear up the hill to beat the unlucky Indiana Jones by two and a quarter lengths.

Gigginstown duo shine

The two maiden hurdles on the card went to the combination of Joseph O'Brien, Gigginstown and Blackmore.

The 4-9 favourite Uhtred forged clear on the run-in to land the 2m maiden hurdle, while the 2m3f maiden hurdle went to the impressive Eric Bloodaxe as he forged clear for an eight-length success. The latter had accounted for Ferny Hollow and Wide Receiver in a pair of bumpers two years ago, and he could yet be a significant force in staying novice hurdles this season.

O'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell said: "He's a very hard horse to get fit and I'm sure there's plenty to work on. Rachael said they were always in control. He jumped unbelievably well and gave her a proper feel."

Altior's half-sister Bellatior makes a winning debutCredit: Patrick McCann

Name to remember

Gordon Elliott completed a double when Bellatior, a half-sister to the great Altior, made a winning debut in the mares' bumper under Jamie Codd.

The winning trainer said: "She's a bit hot but she's very nice. We'll take our time and leave her till the spring."

Upping The Ante star Gavin Lynch joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday.