The pair fought out a terrific tussle in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, with Teahupoo narrowly coming out on top by a nose. Back up to that distance, a trip over which Ballyburn has not won since his point-to-point days, in-form Elliott is hopeful he will confirm the placings. “It’s obviously a rematch from the Hatton’s Grace and it’s going to be very interesting seeing Ballyburn go up to three miles,” he said. “Teahupoo will definitely improve, so we’re going to have to step up again from the Hatton’s Grace and it’s going to be very close to call. “He has been good at Leopardstown in the past and usually good fresh, too, so we’re looking forward to the race.”

Source: The Herald December 27, 2025 21:26 UTC