Not all of racing’s greats have galloped into the sunset in glory. When they are afforded that luxury, it inevitably sparks emotional scenes. The cheers of the Punchestown crowd and the tears of Robcour boss Brian Acheson, spoke loudly of the affection shown to Bob Olinger.
The 11-year-old has been a Cheltenham specialist over his career. He won four times at Prestbury Park, including thrice at the Cheltenham Festival. Yet, having not taken to chasing, and often meeting with minor setbacks, Bob Olinger was not seen on the Grade 1 stage as much as he could have been.
When he was though, results speak for themselves. Bob Olinger now heads into retirement having won half of his 22 starts under rules. Five of his 11 wins came at Grade 1 level, with Cheltenham and Punchestown Stayers Hurdle titles to his name.
The latter arrived in his swansong on Thursday. Held up under an ice cool Darragh O’Keeffe, Bob Olinger began to circumnavigate his rivals with three flights to jump. Fellow Robcuor-owned stayer Teahupoo travelled the strongest, but his older pal has often had his measure in recent seasons. He did so again here.
Bob Olinger was ridden to the front approaching the last and despite idling up the run-in, held enough stamina reserves. He held off the fast-finishing Jimmy Du Seuil to retire in glory.
“Special horses don’t come along too often” – Acheson
Connections, be they owner, trainer or jockey, could only speak of their fondness for Bob Olinger in the aftermath.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Acheson said: “Special horses don’t come along too often, and this fellow is just the horse who keeps on giving.”
Henry De Bromhead was also thrilled with such a grandstand finish. He has trained Bob Olinger since the start of his rules career.
“The fact that Bob read the script is massive, these are days you savour. That’s him, he is pure class and that’s what class does. He just prowls and he is still prowling now. This is one to savour, you dream that they could go out like that so it is phenomenal.”
The 4/1 winner was once again below Teahupoo in the betting. However, three times in the final four times he met him, Bob Olinger reached the line first.
Jockey Darragh O’Keeffe was confident heading into the race, but was also delighted to be a part of history.
“Days like this are unbelievable,” said O’Keeffe. “What a horse this fellow is and he is a huge credit to everyone at home. Davy Roche told me this morning that he’d win today. He knows him like the back of his hand and he was spot on.”