As the anticipation builds and the excitement reaches a crescendo for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, all eyes are fixed on the illustrious Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
It is a race steeped in tradition and drama, renowned for its exhilarating displays of stamina, skill, and sheer determination.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the contenders in the horse race betting — examining their pedigrees, form, and potential to seize victory on the grandest stage in National Hunt racing.
From seasoned campaigners to emerging talents, each entrant carries the hope of connections and racing enthusiasts alike. Join us as we dissect the leading contenders.
Teahupoo – 11/4
Having won both his outings before last year’s Cheltenham Festival, causing a stir when landing the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December from 20/1 before winning the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle in January, Teahupoo was fancied as the ante-post favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
However, the then six-year-old was just held by his stablemate and 33/1 outsider Sire Du Berlais in a thrilling finish that saw Teahupoo finish third but within a length of the winner and Dashel Drasher (40/1) in second.
Teahupoo ended the season with an underwhelming fourth in the Champion Stayers Hurdle but he reappeared with another win in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and is heading to Prestbury Park with leading claims for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
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Irish Point – 7/2
Hoping to prove a thorn in the side of Teahupoo is Irish Point, who is also trained by Elliott in County Meath and of the same connections (Robcour).
After winning a Maiden Hurdle on his yard debut, Irish Point hit a stumbling block when second in back-to-back Grade 1s at Fairyhouse and Naas before finishing fourth of six runners at Leopardstown.
However, he ended his novice campaign well with a Grade 3 win back at Naas before landing the lucrative Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at the Aintree Grand National meeting.
Irish Point has come on from that this season, winning another Grade 3 at Down Royal on reappearance in November before a commanding success in the Christmas Hurdle in December.
Crambo – 11/2
Local trainer Fergal O’Brien is still seeking his first Cheltenham Festival winner since getting his own license in 2011, and Crambo appears to be one of the top contenders to break his duck.
Fancied at 11/2 for those betting on Cheltenham races, Crambo was midfield in the aforementioned Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle won by Irish Point last year but has two wins in three outings this campaign.
The biggest of those was when he was last seen at Ascot in December as the seven-year-old won the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle by a dramatic shorthead from veteran Paisley Park.
The fact Elliott’s potential runners have more experience and wins at the top level is a bit of a concern, and they might prove to be too good for O’Brien’s entry.
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2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats (7/1) and Willie Mullins duo Sir Gerhard (7/1) and Monkfish (10/1) are all next in the betting.
