Quick Read
- Nicky Henderson secured his sixth win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Old Park Star.
- The top four finishers in the opening race were all British-trained, providing an early lead for the home side.
- Henderson is already planning a future move to chasing for the horse following the retirement of Constitution Hill.
CHELTENHAM (Azat TV) – Legendary trainer Nicky Henderson marked a triumphant start to the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, securing his sixth career victory in the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The win, delivered by the highly-fancied Old Park Star, provided a significant morale boost for the home contingent on the opening day of the prestigious meeting.
Old Park Star Leads British Sweep at Cheltenham
Ridden by Nico de Boinville, the unbeaten Old Park Star entered the race as the 15-8 market leader. Throughout the contest, the gelding remained tactically placed as Sober Glory set a demanding pace. While Irish rivals faltered during the closing stages, Old Park Star demonstrated notable stamina on the uphill climb, ultimately crossing the line a length and a half ahead of the runner-up. The top four finishers—Old Park Star, Sober Glory, Mydaddypaddy, and Baron Noir—were all trained in Britain, marking a rare clean sweep for home-based stables in a high-profile opening event.
Henderson Reflects on Legacy and Future Stars
The victory arrives at a poignant moment for Henderson, who confirmed earlier in the day that the stable’s former star, Constitution Hill, has officially retired from jumps racing. Speaking after the race, the trainer drew comparisons between his new prospect and past champions like Altior and Shishkin. According to The Independent, Henderson expressed optimism regarding the horse’s development, noting that while Old Park Star performed exceptionally under pressure, he remains a work in progress. The trainer indicated that a transition to fences is the likely trajectory for the horse in the 2027 season.
Competitive Outlook for the 2026 Festival
The result serves as a critical early point for the British trainers in the ongoing rivalry against Irish competitors. While Henderson acknowledged the intensity of the competition, he maintained a cautious outlook for the remainder of the week. Other trainers, including Dan Skelton and Johnson White, praised their own runners’ performances, signaling a highly competitive field for next year’s Arkle Trophy. Despite the pressure of the festival, Henderson remains focused on the long-term potential of his new charge, emphasizing that the horse’s sound jumping and resilience provide a strong foundation for future campaigns.
The strategic importance of this win lies in Henderson’s ability to successfully transition his stable’s focus toward the next generation of hurdlers, effectively mitigating the void left by the retirement of his previous icons. By securing an early victory, Henderson not only bolsters British confidence at Cheltenham but also establishes a clear performance baseline for his yard during a period of transition.