FEATURE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
A 22-length rout in the 2022 Supreme certainly suggested that it was only a matter of time before Constitution Hill would join that list, but such style would need substance for him to become a great, something that Nicky Henderson’s charge wasted little time in providing last term. The opposition included an Irish Champion Hurdle winner in State Man, as well as the previous year’s JCB Triumph Hurdle winner in Vauban, but as he did in both the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park earlier in the campaign, Constitution Hill burst into overdrive for a stunning nine-length success. If there were one man you would trust to encapsulate the moment, it is trainer Nicky Henderson, whose emotions shone through in the aftermath. He said: “I’ve watery eyes and I always will have, but that would bring a tear to most eyes when you see a horse like that. There is a brilliant team behind him and they have done fantastic.” You’d be forgiven for thinking there was little room for more drama on Champion Day, but enter the legendary Honeysuckle, on the final start of her majestic career in the Grade One Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. A three-time Cheltenham Festival winner – including two wins in the Unibet Champion Hurdle – there are few that can match the record of Honeysuckle, and in a year fraught with devastation for the family of trainer Henry de Bromhead after the tragic loss of his son Jack, the mare had seamlessly taken on the burden of providing some comfort. Known for her trademark guts and fighting spirit, this would prove to be one of her toughest battles up the Cheltenham hill, but she fought gallantly to thwart the attentions of Love Envoi and provide one of the most
“You’d be forgiven for thinking there was little room for more drama, but enter the legendary Honeysuckle”
a marquee moment for jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who took Grade One glory in the opener with the Barry Connell- trained Marine Nationale, on what was his second-ever ride at the meeting. That three-and-a-quarter length success certainly gave a resounding hint that Marine Nationale could be a star of the future, with Connell hinting that his charge could be back for the Arkle in 2024 – another prestigious Tuesday contest. Things would get even better for O’Sullivan, too, who would complete a double on the card with Jazzy Matty in the penultimate Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
As for Constitution Hill, he returned to the stage tasked with proving that the Supreme is a key pointer for Tuesday’s feature – the Grade One Unibet Champion Hurdle – and he would do so in a style that only a select few have been able to match. Run over two miles, the race is the ultimate test of speed, and to scan down the Champion Hurdle’s roll of honour is to familiarise yourself with a who’s who of some of the greatest racehorses ever to have graced the hallowed Cheltenham turf. Hardy Eustace, Hurricane Fly, See You Then, Sea Pigeon, Hatton’s Grace, Night Nurse, Monksfield – the list is endless.
thrilling finishes of the week. Honeysuckle was met with a
reception seldom seen at Prestbury Park, a fitting send-off for a Festival legend and a powerful end to an enthralling opening day.
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