Bob Olinger outclassed his rivals in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle as Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore continued their stunning week at Cheltenham.
The trainer and jockey combination won the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle and they look to have another superstar horse on their hands with the Ballymore winner.
Bravemansgame took them along under Harry Cobden and the favourite was a bit keen early in proceedings, but it didn't take anything out of him as he loomed up going easily with two to go.
It looked a case of when Blackmore asked him to go and win the race and so it proved, as when asked to seal the deal he took off for a seven and a half length success.
Gaillard Du Mesnil battled on for second, with Bravemansgame only managing third.
RESULT: 1.20 Cheltenham - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
1st BOB OLINGER 6/4 favourite
2nd Gaillard Du Mesnil 9/4
3rd Bravemansgame 4/1
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Blackmore, who later became the first female to have three winners at a single Festival courtesy of Honeysuckle on Tuesday and Sir Gerhard in Wednesday's finale - the Weatherbys Champion Bumper - was impressed as Bob Olinger took his winning sequence to three, and doubled his Grade One tally.
“It’s unbelievable,” she told ITV Racing.
“I’m so delighted for (owner) Brian Acheson and his family – he puts a lot into this game and he’s got a very special horse on his hands now.
“His potential is sky high, I’d say – he was phenomenal there.
“He won a point-to-point for Pat Doyle, and Henry got him then – anyone who’s ever been associated with him has thought an awful lot of him. Winning at Cheltenham is what it’s all about. and he’s done that now.
“There’ll be plenty of big days in him hopefully, but it’s just fantastic for everyone in the yard.”
De Bromhead said: “I’m delighted with him. Rachael was brilliant on him again and he couldn’t have done it any better.
“He’s a horse we’ve always liked. He’s done very little wrong and he’s very exciting.
“I started the season aiming at the Supreme, but everyone persuaded me, quite rightly, to step up in trip.
“We were very hopeful coming here, but it was obviously a very good race and you never know on the day.”
On future plans, he added: “We’ll get through his novice season and see.
“He’s built like a chaser and jumps like one, so we’d normally look at going that way, but we’ll speak to Brian (Acheson, owner) and Robcour and see what everyone would like to do. We’ll enjoy today.”
De Bromhead also reported Honeysuckle in good shape following her brilliant performance.
He said: “She was great and was really good this morning. We’re delighted with her – she’s full of herself.
“I’d imagine we’ll probably look towards Punchestown, but we haven’t decided yet.”
Sky Bet go 5/1 about Bob Olinger for the 2022 Marsh Novices' Chase.
Michael Shinners said: "That was a fantastic performance to beat what looked a very good field. The way he travelled and quickened away marks him down as an exceptional horse. It will be fascinating to see what connections do with him going forward into next season."
