Home By The Lee delivers at 33-1 in stunning Cheltenham success for Cork-owned horse

Joy for Cork punters at Cheltenham as Home By The Lee was the shock 33-1 winner of the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Jocky JJ Selvin held off Ballyburn and Bob Oligner in a thrilling finish at Prestbury Park.

Beautiful city, my Home By The Lee! 🎶

What a day for owner Sean O'Driscoll and trainer Joseph O'Brien ❤️#ITVRacing | @JJjslevin | @JosephOBrien2 pic.twitter.com/CVE4uN6m5g

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2026

This was Sean O'Driscoll's fifth successive attempt in this race with Home By The Lee and up to now his best finish had been third. 

He had been a winner on his last start on Thyestes Chase Day at Gowran Park but this was his 12th and most impressive victory for trainer Joseph O'Brien.

"Never give up, that's the morale of the story," reflected owner Sean O'Driscoll, who toasted the success with a few bars of Cork song 'Beautiful City' after which the horse was named. 

"My son John has never been at a race he's won. He told me two weeks ago he couldn't come and then a few days ago he was going to change his mind and I said: 'No John, stay away!'" 

Stamina came to the fore as in a fascinating contest. JJ Slevin aboard the 11-year-old urgently asked his mount to move on to Hewick's tail moving down hill but as he rounded the turn for home the pursuers were queuing up to make their challenge, with Home By The Lee already giving maximum effort.

The eye was drawn in particular to Dan Skelton's Kabral Du Mathan under a motionless Harry Skelton as he hit the front jumping the final obstacle.

However, Home By The Lee was a determined rival and as Kabral du Mathran's stride shortened, the 33-1 shot rallied bravely to see off the fast-finishing Ballyburn by a length and a quarter.