Cheltenham Festival: Gordon Elliott stable tour

Teahupoo is once more set to play a major part in Gordon's Elliott’s strong team at the Cheltenham Festival when he defends his Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle crown.

Despite being beaten in this year’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, a race which he won last season, Elliott arguably thinks he put up a better performance behind Lossiemouth than when he was successful.

As a result the trainer was content to not consider running him again before the big day and he was reacquainted with Jack Kennedy on the gallops at Cullentra House on Wednesday.

"Teahupoo is in great form, he worked Monday morning and I couldn’t be happier with him," said Elliott.

"He worked very well, Jack rode him this morning and he was very happy so I’m really looking forward to running him.

"He’s eight, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be as good as last year. I think his run at Fairyhouse this year was better than last year, as conditions didn’t suit him. We’re looking forward to running him. He’s not flashy, so you never really know at home, but he has the best form in the race."

A final decision on whether his star mare Brighterdaysahead will run in the Unibet Champion Hurdle will be made early next week.

Following a comeback success at Down Royal, Brighterdaysahead edged out reigning Champion Hurdle hero State Man in the Morgiana at Punchestown before blowing him and the rest away with a scintillating 30-length victory at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

With connections sidestepping the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival, Brighterdaysahead will return to Prestbury Park a fresh horse – but whether she will go for Champion Hurdle glory or take the easier option of the Mares’ Hurdle remains the burning question.

"I’m very happy