Davy Russell and Andrew McNamara involved in heated debate as Teahupoo wins Stayers Hurdle
Kennedy rode Teahupoo to a six-and-a-half lengths victory over Asterion Forlonge in the Grade 1 over three miles
Davy Russell and Andrew McNamara got involved in a heated debate on RTE over the ride Jack Kennedy gave to Teahupoo in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
Kennedy rode Teahupoo to a six-and-a-half lengths victory over Asterion Forlonge in the Grade 1 over three miles.
It was a massive win for the Kerryman as he tried to hold off Paul Townend to win his first Irish Jockeys Championship - the victory put Kennedy six ahead of Towend.
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But on RTE television, pundits and former jockeys Russell and McNamara got involved in a long argument over the ride Kennedy gave the winner.
Russell was complimentary of Kennedy's ride and his positioning on the horse throughout the race.
But McNamara believed that Kennedy made his life more difficult than it needed to be by racing on the inside of the Townend-ridden Asterion Forlonge.
The winner was trimmed to 5-2 favourite from 3s by Paddy Power to repeat his Stayers’ Hurdle heroics at Prestbury Park next March and for now appears an unstoppable force over three miles and timber.
His trainer Gordon Elliott said: “It was great for the horse and great for Jack, he has a big battle (jockeys’ title with Paul Townend) and it’s going to be a long tough week.
“He said he was stuck in a bit of a pocket behind Paul and he had to get out. He said the ground might be as quick as he wants it, but he was very good. He’s a great horse.”
Owner Brian Acheson added: “My main thing is about the horse because all the doubters from last year are now put to bed, and it’s great for Jack. I was really worried coming here because the horse didn’t let himself down on the ground last year.
“He was Robbie Power’s last ride here in the Champion Hurdle and finished last and I was thinking if it would be in the horse’s head. They are emotive creatures and they do remember stuff. By God did he give a performance today and I’m delighted.
“It’s petrifying, it’s torture, because you want the horse to show everybody how good they are.
“That’s really important for Jack, but Paul Townend isn’t going away.”
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