JACK Kennedy is on the verge of becoming Ireland's champion jump jockey for the first time, following success in the feature race at Punchestown on Thursday.

In steering the favourite Teahupoo to a clearcut success in the Ladbrokes Stayers' Hurdle, Kennedy stretched his lead over reigning champion Paul Townend to six winners. The season ends on Saturday and, while Townend has a string of favourites to look forward to, bookmaker Paddy Power makes Kennedy the 1/10 favourite to win the title.

Townend drew a rare blank at Punchestown on Thursday, while Kennedy picked up that one important success on Teahupoo.

Winner of the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham, Gordon Elliott’s charge could only finish fourth when 3/1 joint-favourite for the Punchestown race 12 months ago but victory this year could have been called a long way from home as the seven-year-old was ridden with supreme confidence.

The 5/6 favourite travelled menacingly throughout the contest before putting the race to bed with ease once entering the straight, seeing off the enigmatic Asterion Forlonge by six and a half lengths.

It is the first time this century the winner of the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival has followed up at the Punchestown Festival and the Robcour-owned stayer finishes the season unbeaten having successfully defended his Hatton’s Grace crown in early December.

A delighted Elliott said: “It was great for the horse and great for Jack, he has a big battle (jockeys’ title with Paul Townend) and it’s going to be a long, tough week.

“He said he was stuck in a bit of a pocket behind Paul and he had to get out. He said the ground might be as quick as he wants it, but he was very good. He’s a great horse.”

Owner Brian Acheson added: “My main thing is about the horse because all the doubters from last year are now put to bed, and it’s great for Jack. I was really worried coming here because the horse didn’t let himself down on the ground last year.

“He was Robbie Power’s last ride here in the Champion Hurdle and finished last and I was thinking if it would be in the horse’s head. They are emotive creatures and they do remember stuff. By God did he give a performance today and I’m delighted.

“It’s petrifying, it’s torture, because you want the horse to show everybody how good they are.

“That’s really important for Jack, but Paul Townend isn’t going away.”