Teahupoo speaheads Stayers' Hurdle entry at Cheltenham Festival

Defending champion Teahupoo is one of 36 entries for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott's inmate was a brilliant winner last season but was no match for Lossiemouth when second in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse on his sole run this campaign.

Teahupoo is nonetheless the general 6-4 favourite in a race that could feature over half the potential runners arriving from Ireland.

Gold Tweet is also possible for French handler Gabriel Leenders. 

Back-to-back Long Walk Hurdle winner could bid to break Fergal O’Brien’s Festival duck in the contest, with Ollie Murphy’s beaten Ascot favourite and Henderson’s recent Relkeel victor among those high up in the betting. 

Dan Skelton’s two-time Coral Cup champion and the Irish duo of Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee and Henry de Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake are other established players in the mix.