Shock in the Stayer’s Hurdle as Home By The Lee becomes Fifth Time Lucky

Joseph O’Brien’s ‘superstar’ Home By The Lee became the oldest horse ever to win the Paddy Power Stayer’s Hurdle on his fifth attempt, beating the likes of Teahuhpoo, Bob Olinger and Ballyburn.  

The 11-year-old went against the odds at the Cheltenham Festival today at 33/1 as he stormed past Hewick who had set the tone for race early on, coming down the hill, being pressured by Kabral Du Mathan under jockey Harry Skelton.

Approaching the final hurdle, Kabral Du Mathan faded and the veteran battled it out against runners up Ballyburn and Bob Olinger however he swept past them to take a comfortable victory under jockey JJ Slevin.

Home By The Lee has had little luck in the Stayer’s Hurdle, with his closest chance coming in 2023, but a serious error early in the race diminished his chances.

The eye was drawn particularly to Teahuhpoo, the dethroned champion as he came into the race at 9/4 with  jockey Jack Kennedy who just came off a win in the mares hurdle.

However, a disappointed Cheltenham crowd would of seen the horse fall back into sixth place, as well as last year’s winner Bob Olinger who took third place behind Ballyburn.

O’Brien said: “We were just hoping for a good run. It was a fantastic ride by JJ and I’m so delighted for Sean O’Driscoll and his family as they bred him and he’s an 11-year-old and they’ve been with him all the way. He’s as tough as nails. It was a huge team effort by everyone at home.

“He’s all stamina and JJ gave him a fantastic ride. He made all the right moves at every stage. Of all the horses I’ve ever trained he’s the winning most in number of wins.

“We’ve had him since maybe he just turned four, so he’s been there a long time. He trains every day with enthusiasm and when he’s off he gets bored. He loves his work, loves his job, loves his racing and has never had a lame step in his life. He’s a superstar.”