Co-favorite Constitution Hill wins the opening race of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, landing the Supreme Novices Hurdle ahead of Jonbon to give trainer Nicky Henderson a brace
Constitution Hill led a brace home for Nicky Henderson with an extraordinary performance in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Sent off from the 9-4 co-favorite for the Festival opener, Nico de Boinville’s mount simply slid down the famous hill to account for stablemate Jonbon, with Willie Mullins’ Kilcruit well beaten third.
The Grade One’s turning point came on the penultimate flight, when Mullins-driven Dysart Dynamo crashed, leaving the Henderson pair alone in front.
Constitution Hill won the opening race at Cheltenham, clinching the Supreme Novices Hurdle
The pre-race co-favorite beat Jonbon, giving trainer Nicky Henderson a brace
There was little difference between the duo and two outs – but Constitution Hill (9-4, co-favorite) was better and took an early lead.
The five-year-old, owned by Michael Buckley, quickly put the light of day between him and Jonbon to score by 22 lengths.
No other horse entered the race, with Kilcruit remaining to take minor honors at two and a half lengths, as Henderson won the Supreme for the fifth time.
De Boinville said: “I knew it was going to be fast and furious and in all honesty he did it like a job. I was so happy to go all the way to the last. He could be anything, I’m sure he would jump a fence too. He has so much reach.
“I didn’t really have a choice (to go home when he did), he was traveling so well.” They launched a very hard gallop and he just raised the bridle. I’m delighted for his owner Michael Buckley, he’s going to be thrilled.
“What a way to start the week, what a legend.”
Nico de Boinville celebrates on Constitution Hill after winning the festival’s opening race
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