Teahupoo completed a memorable Cheltenham and Punchestown double when landing the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle on Thursday.
Having run out an impressive winner of the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, Teahupoo was sent off as the 5/6 favourite to back up that performance and stamp his authority on the staying division.
The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old raced lazily in the early stages but made stealthy progress under title-seeking Jack Kennedy. The pair travelled powerfully approaching the second last and with a well-timed jump at the final flight, the Robcour-owned soon sealed the deal.
Just thirty or so minutes after finishing runner-up on Gaelic Warrior, Paul Townend once again had to settle for the silver medal position as Willie Mullins' Asterion Forlonge could only get within six-and-a-half lengths of the runaway staying champion.
Home By The Lee rallied well to grab the third spot under JJ Slevin.
Trainer Gordon Elliott was pleased with the performance, saying: "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."
It was a key victory for jockey Jack Kennedy in the battle for the Irish jump jockey's championship, extending the twenty-five-year-old's lead to six over Paul Townend (117).
Sadly for the yard, Sire du Berlais suffered a fatal injury during the race and Elliott was quick to pay tribute to one of his stable stars in an interview with Racing TV.
"I'm absolutely heartbroken and he's been a horse of a lifetime for us at Cullentra," he said.
"Everyone is in bits over it, the girls and the lads at the yard and he's been unbelievable so we're all gutted.
"Thoughts are with JP, Noreen (McManus) and the whole family and it takes the gloss off the whole week, if I'm honest. I'm heartbroken.
"He was just a horse of a lifetime and you couldn't write what he has done for us. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was a great horse."
