Teahupoo to bid for Hatton's Grace hat-trick at Fairyhouse

Gordon Elliott is happy to stick with a winning formula when it comes to preparing Teahupoo for the defence of his major titles this term.

The seven-year-old has kicked off his last two campaigns by claiming back-to-back victories in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle and is set to head to Fairyhouse at the start of December once again.

Last season, he went on to secure an impressive success in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham before also proving a class apart in the same division at Punchestown.

Teahupoo was the star of the show at a press morning at Cullentra House ahead of the Bar One Fairyhouse Winter Festival and it is all systems go in terms of bidding for a repeat Grade One treble.

Elliott said: "He’s in great form. He’s not fancy at home, he just does what he has to do.

"We’ve got it in our heads to do the same thing as last year and go down the same route with him – Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and back to Punchestown."

Stablemate Brighterdaysahead (above) is already up and running after a smooth success at Down Royal and has several options open to her ahead of ultimately seeking Mares’ Hurdle glory at Cheltenham.

There was a temptation to go over fences following her top-tier novice hurdle victory at Aintree, but owner Michael O’Leary was keen to keep his exciting charge over the smaller obstacles.

"She’s in the Morgiana (Punchestown, November 23), she’s in the Hatton’s Grace, but there’s no decision been made about where she’s going to go yet – I’ll have a chat with the lads this week but she’s come out of Down Royal really well and we’re looking forward to getting her out soon," said Elliott.

"We toyed with going chasing but Michael wanted to stay hurdling, so that was the final decision. She’s only five and she’s