Constitution Hill Roars To Success At An Unforgettable Cheltenham Festival
The stars aligned perfectly on day one of the Cheltenham Festival as Constitution Hill bounded up the famous hill to land the prestigious Champion Hurdle.
Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner was priced at 1/3 with William Hill before the off and despite having to face the four-time Grade 1 winner State Man, Nicky Henderson’s six-race unbeaten gelding won by nine lengths.
🏆 Constitution Hill absolutely storms home to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle!
A special performance
A special horse#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @NdeBoinville pic.twitter.com/8lhkES9PRd
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 14, 2023
On what was a memorable day in the history of Prestbury Park, the master trainer was full of emotion after the success.
“It is an extraordinary thing to happen but he is an extraordinary horse,” said Henderson. “He is a freak. I said to Nico let’s keep it as simple as you possibly can, and he did.
“I’ve watery eyes, I always have had and I always will have but that would bring a tear to most eyes when you see a horse quite like that as I think that is pretty unique.
“That is only the sixth race of his life and he is doing that now. We have had some wonderful days with Sprinter Sacre in particular. This horse is going to extraordinary levels at the moment and we are lucky to be the custodian of him but a lot of responsibility goes with it.”
The wide-margin victory was perfectly facilitated by jockey Nico de Boinville as his hands and heels ride after the final turn was all that was needed to collect his first Champion Hurdle title, adding to his successes in the Gold Cup and Champion Chase.
“He could do anything – I’m sure we will try him over a fence at some point. I guess we don’t want to pigeonhole him just as a hurdler; he could be anything.
“I think he’d be good over a fence. As racing fans, that’s what we want to see. I find in recent years horses have tended to get pigeon-holed too much, bar Faugheen. It could be interesting, and he’s still so young.
“It was all very smooth today. You saw him – as soon as he got to the front, he pricked his ears and said, ‘come on, let’s go, go and do the business.’. He’s so straightforward and these Blue Bresils, they seem to bring that element of attitude to the game. He takes it all in his stride – he’s so relaxed.”
The fairytale continued into the following race, the Mares’ Hurdle, as two-time Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle made it four Festival wins in a row under her regular rider, Rachael Blackmore.
In what was one of the best atmospheres ever experienced around the hallowed parade ring of Prestbury Park, the nine-year-old mare returned to a sea of cheers, blue scarves, and smiling faces.
Post-race, an ecstatic and emotional Henry de Bromhead said: “It’s just incredible. I am just so happy for the mare, for Rachael, and for all of us.
“You dream of the fairytale ending, but so often it doesn’t happen – this is what she deserves and she is just an unbelievable mare, and I’m just delighted.
“I think in fairness, we’ve obviously had a terrible year with Jack and everything, and just the support people have given us has been amazing. Today, most of the cheers are for Honey, because she has been so unbelievable, but everyone has shown us so much support.”
😊 Honeysuckle soars home to win the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle!
It's a fairytale 4th!
She's signed off in some style#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @rachaelblackmor pic.twitter.com/UI6VUJYU6H
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 14, 2023
Elsewhere on Champions Day, Irish claimer Michael O’Sullivan ended the day as the leading rider following his two winners on Jazzy Matty in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and, most importantly, Marine Nationale in the opening contest of the week, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
“I’ve been riding in races since I was very young so I’ve plenty of experience and I’m confident enough in my own ability without being over-confident and I’m riding good horses for good people and that makes it a lot easier,” chuckled O’Sullivan.
“I suppose it is hard to appreciate it and it is hard to be topped but I’m enjoying every minute of it. I was coming here with a good book of rides and to win the first one takes the pressure off.”
Cheltenham Festival’s most-winning trainer Willie Mullins walked away from day one with a double in two Graded contests thanks to El Fabiolo in the Arkle and Gaillard Du Mesnil in the National Hunt Chase, while the Ultima Handicap Chase was won for the second year in a row by Corach Rambler.
Immediately following the Arkle, joint-owner Isaac Souede shared that he believes this horse can go onto big heights in the future.
“Willie [Mullins] thinks he’s got great potential so in Willie we trust – he’s a very athletic horse!
“I think it is a step up from his Irish Arkle win because the competition, as hard as it was in Leopardstown, was harder here. I think he is a bit of an underrated jumper, but he likes to give you at least one scare!”
These comments were shared by Mullins who has some huge targets for the future.
“He looks like a horse who could be Champion Chase material, so that’s where we are going to aim him anyhow.
“He’s improving and he has less experience than the other horses in the race and he’s open to more improvement.”
Cheltenham Festival Day One: Key Moments And Insights
Day one at Cheltenham provided clear form lines and talking points that will shape markets and planning for connections over the coming months.
Why Constitution Hill’s Win Matters For Racing Fans
Constitution Hill’s authoritative Champion Hurdle success confirms the colt’s class and underlines Nicky Henderson’s judgment in bringing him along carefully. The performance will influence how trainers, punters and bookmakers view the division throughout the season.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions After Champion Hurdle
Nicky Henderson’s emotional response and Nico de Boinville’s composed ride together paint a picture of a carefully managed colt with rare talent. Those public comments are useful context when assessing plans and likely future targets.
How Honeysuckle’s Victory Reshapes Mares’ Hurdle History
Honeysuckle’s fourth Festival success emphasises the mare’s exceptional longevity and adaptability at the highest level. Her result will be factored into mares’ race ratings and breeding discussions for the sport.
Key Performances And Rising Stars From Champions Day
Michael O’Sullivan’s double and El Fabiolo’s Arkle success suggest a number of younger riders and juveniles are ready to step up. Identifying those emerging patterns early helps inform longer-term betting strategies and race planning.
Assessing Constitution Hill’s Future Campaign Options
Connections have hinted at a potential switch to fences in time, but any move will be measured and based on schooling and physical readiness. Observers should expect gradual progression rather than abrupt changes to his campaign.
Trainer Willie Mullins’ Targets Following Arkle Victory
Willie Mullins’ comments about Champion Chase potential for El Fabiolo show a clear ambition to aim at top-level two-mile chases. That route will be dependent on the horse’s jumping improvement and recovery across the season.
Responsible Betting Advice For Cheltenham Festival Attendees
This site is for readers aged 18+ and aims to provide information to help you make informed choices; betting should always be done responsibly and within your means. If you decide to place bets, use bookmaker comparisons and set limits rather than chasing losses.
Betting Considerations After The Opening Day Results
Markets will shift following Champion Day, with favourites likely to shorten and some long-term market depth reduced for key contests. It is sensible to reassess bets after watching replays and reviewing ground, form and trainer statements rather than reacting to headlines.
How To Use Form And Stats For Smarter Tips
Prioritise measurable factors such as recent form, ground preference, weight carried and trainer/jockey records at Cheltenham when evaluating selections. Cross-referencing reliable stats helps reduce bias and improves the quality of your opinions.
What To Watch In The Rest Of The Festival
Later days will feature longer trips and different tests, so note any horses showing signs of improvement on day one who may step up in distance or class. Keep an eye on recovering favourites and those drawn favourable for the unique Cheltenham undulations.
How Owners and Connections React To Festival Success
Owners frequently speak of pride and long-term planning rather than short-term financial gain, which reflects the sport’s culture at this level. That perspective often influences whether horses remain in training, switch codes or are aimed at international targets.
Implications For Breeding And Future Ratings After Festival
High-profile wins at Cheltenham can enhance a horse’s breeding value and the wider perception of particular sire lines, but those outcomes are realised over time rather than immediately. Rating panels and handicappers will adjust marks to reflect these performances.
How To Approach Bookmaker Offers Sensibly During Big Meetings
Bookmaker promotions can add value if used selectively, but avoid staking more than you can afford in an attempt to capitalise on offers. You can explore bookmaker comparisons to find suitable markets, and always check terms before placing a bet.
Longer-Term Trends From This Festival Opening
The strong showing of young horses hints at a generational shift in certain divisions, while seasoned performers like Honeysuckle show the value of careful placement and management. Follow-up races through spring will confirm whether these patterns hold.
How To Follow Up On Day One Form For Future Picks
Rewatch the key races, note sectional times where available and monitor trainer comments in the days after the festival to refine opinions. Combining visual impressions with statistics will give a clearer picture for future selections.
Keeping Betting Responsible And Informed At Major Meetings
Set limits, stick to a staking plan and take breaks if results affect your mood or decision-making; these steps help prevent impulsive behaviour. If gambling causes concern, seek help from specialist support services and consider self-exclusion options.
Where To Find More Analysis And Ongoing Festival Coverage
BestOfBets provides ongoing editorial analysis and comparison tools to help readers assess bookmaker offers and market moves without pressure. Use these resources to inform decisions rather than as an inducement to bet.
Preparing For Post-Festival Markets And Next Steps
After Cheltenham, connections often set targets for Aintree and Punchestown while bookmakers adjust their ante-post books for next season’s big races. Keep detailed notes from the festival to spot value and informed angles for future previews.
Practical Tips For Attending Prestbury Park In Future Years
Plan travel and accommodation in advance, understand the course layout and consider weather and ground conditions before selecting races to watch in person. Attendance should be about enjoying the sport and atmosphere as much as any betting activity.
Summary: What Day One Tells Us About The Season Ahead
Day one reinforced the class of a small number of elite horses while highlighting new talent and strategic choices by top trainers. Taking a measured, informed approach to following these stories will be more productive than chasing quick returns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheltenham Day One
Could Constitution Hill Be Tried Over Fences Next Season?
Connections have suggested that fences could be considered in time, but any switch will depend on schooling, physical maturity and trainer assessment rather than a fixed timetable. There is no certainty and plans can change based on how the horse develops.
How Significant Is Honeysuckle’s Fourth Festival Win Historically?
Four Festival victories place Honeysuckle among an elite group of horses with sustained top-level success, reinforcing her status in mares’ racing. Such achievements are rare and will be discussed in terms of class and longevity rather than financial implications.
What Should Punters Look For When Assessing Day One Form?
Key factors include finishing margins, race pace, jumping fluency and how horses coped with the uphill finish at Cheltenham. Combining these observations with trainer and jockey comments offers a balanced view of performance.
Are Market Moves After Champions Day Reliable Indicators?
Short-term market moves reflect public reaction and liquidity but are not guarantees of future outcomes, so treat them as one input among many. It is prudent to wait for confirmation across races and follow-up runs before adjusting larger staking decisions.
How Can I Use Bookmaker Comparisons Responsibly During the Festival?
Compare odds, promotions and betting terms to find markets that suit your preferences and risk tolerance, and never stake more than you can afford to lose. Use comparison tools as informational resources rather than prompts to increase betting activity.
Where Can I Get Help If Betting Becomes a Problem For Me?
If gambling causes harm or stress, contact UK support organisations such as GamCare or your local support services for confidential assistance and guidance. You can consider self-exclusion or deposit limits as immediate practical steps to manage activity.
Explore our up-to-date bookmaker comparison page for current free bets and new customer offers at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets to find information responsibly. You can also view our list of casino bonus offers and terms for new customers at https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus.
