Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle 2025 Preview – Runners Guide as Teahupoo & Ballyburn Battle Again

A Hatton’s Grace rematch between Teahupoo and Ballyburn in the Grade 1 Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle of 2025 on Sunday, 28 December sees both horses step up in trip. After a photo finish separated the pair at Fairyhouse over two-and-a-half miles, they tackle one another again at almost three miles.

There are eight runners in the contest, however, so the big guns may not have everything their own way. Henry De Bromhead veteran Bob Olinger also represents the same owners at Teahupoo for his reappearance. He pulled off a surprise Stayers’ Hurdle success on St Patrick’s Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival schedule back in March.

Bob Olinger chased home fellow 10-year-old Home By The Lee in the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle 12 months ago. The defending champ represents Joseph O’Brien, but is often a difficult ride. Behind them in third was Rocky’s Diamond for trainer-jockey Declan Queally, who is half their age and back over the smaller obstacles after spending the autumn chasing.

Teahupoo and Ballyburn aren’t the only Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins mounts in the line-ups, however. Cullentra House also runs The Yellow Clay, who remains in this discipline and could also improve for going up in distance. As for Closutton maestro Mullins, his second string is the regally-bred Mystical Power for a conglomerate of influential owners.

Receiving weight all-round from the field is Doncaster Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle heroine Jetara for Jessica Harrington. She finished behind The Yellow Clay in the Lismullen Hurdle around Navan last time out and is slightly worse off at the weights. These smart staying hurdlers serve up a festive treat on Savills Chase day here. Learn more about all of the horses below…

Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle 2025 Runners Guide

1. Ballyburn

One of the most impressive 2024 Cheltenham Festival winners when romping to a 13-length victory and following-up over further at Punchestown. Novice chasing was a mixed bag last season with a disturbing low head carriage causing concern for tackling fences. Unlucky nose loser of the Hatton’s Grace reverting back to this discipline on reappearance. Longer trip promises to suit on the evidence.

2. Bob Olinger

Placed in the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle behind Home By The Lee 12 months ago. Something of a Cheltenham favourite following three wins at the Festival, but making his reappearance here and looks vulnerable to younger legs. Will have spring targets down the road from this starting point.

3. Home By The Lee

Dual winner of this race three years ago and last season. Came into both successes here off a run, however, and looks vulnerable on reappearance. Had the measure of Bob Olinger 12 months ago, but didn’t complete on two of his three starts at the spring festivals. Like his contemporary and old rival, younger horses have more scope. First-time visor on.

4. Mystical Power

By Galileo out of Annie Power, so a real blueblood thoroughbred. Attempts this year to reinvent himself as a staying hurdler have result in two failures to complete. Tailed off last in the December Hurdle at this meeting 12 months ago, he’s currently a horse without a trip. Hard to fancy, for all he’d have been a clear third if not badly hampered in the Hatton’s Grace last time.

5. Rocky’s Diamond

Youngest in the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle line-up and third in it last year. Still not reached his full potential, but didn’t see out the trip in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase latest. Back hurdling now and remains of interest with a first-time visor fitted. Can’t be discounted after running into the frame at a massive price 12 months ago or on his Stayers’ Hurdle fourth in the Cheltenham results in March.

6. Teahupoo

Six-time Grade 1 winning hurdler making his Leopardstown debut. Just held Ballyburn by a nose when landing the Hatton’s Grace for a third time on reappearance. Connections run him over the Christmas period for the first time in four years. Interesting to see how he handles the flatter track with all his best form over galloping courses.

7. The Yellow Clay

Consistent when completing and stepping up to the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle trip for the first time. Fell at the Punchestown Festival after splitting The New Lion and Final Demand at Cheltenham races in March. Beaten on reappearance by race-fit Colonel Mustard, but he may have been crying out for this trip. Shortlisted.

8. Jetara

Third to Teahupoo at the Punchestown Festival, then had a Flat campaign without success. Third behind The Yellow Clay in the Lismullen Hurdle latest and slightly worse off at the weights with him now. Mare who isn’t the easiest ride as she doesn’t want to be in front too long.

Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle 2025 Shortlist & Verdict

While both Teahupoo and BALLYBURN served up a ding-dong tussle at Fairyhouse last month and both could come on for the run, an extra three-and-a-half furlongs looks as though it will suit the latter. These big two are well-found in the market with online Cheltenham bookmakers, but with good reason.

Of the others, The Yellow Clay should also strip fitter for his return to action at Navan with the longer trip also promising to suit. Rocky’s Diamond has a fitness edge over last season’s re-opposing 1-2 Home By The Lee and Bob Olinger from chasing, so that could count for a lot alongside his relative youth.

Jamie Clark

Senior sports editor

Jamie Clark has been covering the Cheltenham Festival for over a decade, firstly during his time as the Sports Editor of Coral bookmakers. His father and godfather ran a trackside bookie's pitch at Market Rasen for many years, so horse racing is in his blood. Very much a specialist in the sport, Jamie is our go-to expert on all things Cheltenham.

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