Home By The Lee claims shock Stayers’ Hurdle win for Joseph O’Brien

Veteran 11-year-old Home By The Lee has finally secured the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his fifth attempt in a 33-1 shock victory.

Ridden by JJ Slevin, the resilient gelding held off a late challenge to score by a length and a quarter from Ballyburn.

Last year’s champion Bob Olinger stayed on strongly up the famous hill to claim third position.

Dan Skelton’s contender Kabral Du Mathan had travelled powerfully into contention before his stamina faded in the closing stages.

Trainer O’Brien praises equine superstar

The triumph marks a special milestone for the winningmost horse in Joseph O’Brien’s esteemed training career.

The County Kilkenny handler expressed his delight for breeders Sean O’Driscoll and family following the memorable success.

“We were just hoping for a good run,” O’Brien said.

“It was a fantastic ride by JJ and I’m so delighted for Sean O’Driscoll and his family as they bred him and he’s an 11-year-old and they’ve been with him all the way.”

A remarkable test of stamina

The trainer revealed his team opted to race the experienced hurdler more frequently this campaign rather than keeping him fresh.

“He trains every day with enthusiasm and when he’s off he gets bored,” added the Irish handler.

“He loves his work, loves his job, loves his racing and has never had a lame step in his life.”

O’Brien concluded by simply labelling his long-serving stable star a superstar.

Heart Wood and Wodhooh secure festival victories

Elsewhere on Thursday’s card, Heart Wood eased to a convincing 10-length victory in the Ryanair Chase.

Henry de Bromhead’s eight-year-old capitalised on the withdrawal of Fact To File to comfortably defeat the 2-1 favourite Jonbon.

Gordon Elliott also ended his frustrating wait for a winner this week when Wodhooh claimed the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

Guided by Jack Kennedy, the 5-6 favourite successfully held off last year’s runner-up Jade de Grugy to strike at the highest level.