Constitution Hill powers to victory in yesterday’s Champion Hurdle (Picture: Getty)
Constitution Hill delivered the goods in scintillating fashion at Cheltenham, fully living up to his burgeoning reputation as he cruised to victory in the Champion Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s 4-11 favourite, who had won his five previous races by a total of 77 lengths, produced the performance that a huge crowd at Prestbury Park was expecting.
Although a slight mistake at the last fence would have meant hearts in mouths for punters, this was a dominant showing from jockey Nico De Boinville and a quite stunning horse.
On a first day of the Festival to remember, there was also a stirring success for Honeysuckle in the Mares’ Hurdle.
The smart money was always on the Champion Hurdle turning into something of a procession, and so it proved with Constitution Hill winning by nine lengths from State Man, with Zanahiyr in third place.
Nico de Boinville celebrates the win (Picture: PA)
‘This is only the sixth race of his life but this horse is going to extraordinary levels,’ an emotional Henderson said. ‘That would bring tears to most eyes. He is pretty unique.’
De Boinville, who joined a select band of jockeys to win the Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle, said: ‘He had loads left, he’s an exceptional horse, a superstar. I could feel them all coming to two out but he’s just winged every single hurdle. It’s been a dream of mine to get the big three and I’m delighted.’ Shortly after that special run came a classic piece of Cheltenham theatre, when the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle went to dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle in what is expected to be her final ever race.
Rachael Blackmore celebrates on Honeysuckle (Picture: Getty)
The backdrop to the win is a hugely emotional one, with trainer Henry de Bromhead losing his 13-year-old son Jack in a tragic pony riding accident last year.
‘It’s the fairytale ending that doesn’t normally happen,’ De Bromhead said. ‘You dream of it but this is what she deserves.
‘She is an unbelievable mare, so special. We have had a terrible year with Jack but the support that everyone has given us we are really grateful for.’
Jockey Blackmore was visible moved after being first past the post (Picture: Shutterstock)
Winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, herself visibly moved as she crossed the line, said: ‘We all wish a very special kid was here but he’ll be looking down on us. She is a phenomenal mare, a credit to everyone.’
The opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, was won by Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale, with jockey Michael O’Sullivan triumphant in only his second Festival ride.
El Fabiolo won the Arkle Trophy for Willie Mullins, while Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler claimed the Ultima Handicap Chase for the second successive year. Gordon Elliott’s Jazzy Matty, ridden by Sullivan, took the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Gaillard Du Mesnil won the National Hunt Chase, giving Mullins his 90th Festival winner.
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Honeysuckle didn’t do too badly either.