In a fitting farewell, 11-year-old Bob Olinger claimed the Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, marking the end of a stellar career. Ridden by Darragh O'Keefe, the Henry de Bromhead-trained horse (4-1) outpaced Willie Mullins' Jimmy Du Seuil (9-1) and pre-race favorite Teahupoo (5-4), who was aiming for a third straight win in the event.
Teahupoo led the pack heading into the final stretch of the three-mile race, but Bob Olinger closed the gap at the last fence and surged ahead, holding off a late challenge from Jimmy Du Seuil to win by three-quarters of a length.
Earlier, the Novice Chase saw Salvator Mundi (13-2) capitalize on a fall by favorite Kopek Des Bordes two fences from home. With Harry Cobden aboard, Salvator Mundi galloped to a 12-length victory over Irish Panther (15-2) and Jacob's Ladder (18-1).
Bob Olinger retires with 11 wins, including three at Cheltenham, a testament to his enduring talent and competitive spirit.