CHELTENHAM (Azat TV) – Jockey Nico de Boinville delivered a masterful performance at the opening of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, guiding the unbeaten hurdler Old Park Star to a gritty victory in the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The win marks a significant milestone for trainer Nicky Henderson, who secured his sixth victory in the festival’s opening race.
A commanding start for Henderson and de Boinville
Old Park Star entered the race as the 15-8 market leader, carrying the weight of high expectations from punters. Under the guidance of de Boinville, the horse remained strategically positioned as Sober Glory set a demanding pace. Despite a late challenge from Mydaddypaddy as they approached the final hill, the pair held their composure to win by a length and a half. The result proved costly for major bookmakers, with reports from The Mirror indicating the victory cost the industry over £1 million.
Establishing a new generation of talent
The triumph is particularly poignant for the Henderson stable, coming on the same day the team officially bid farewell to the legendary Constitution Hill. De Boinville’s ability to navigate the young hurdler through a challenging, high-pace race demonstrated the horse’s potential for a future over fences. Henderson noted that while the horse is still developing, his jumping remains sound and his temperament is well-suited for the competitive nature of the festival.
British dominance in the festival opener
The race underscored a notable trend in this year’s competition, as the top four finishers—Old Park Star, Sober Glory, Mydaddypaddy, and Baron Noir—were all trained in Britain. This 1-2-3-4 finish for home-based runners provided a strong statement to start the week, contrasting with the international competition often seen at the event. Sky Sports reported that the performance of the British contingent has set a high bar for the remainder of the festival, with trainers and jockeys alike now looking toward the upcoming days of competition.
The strategic victory by de Boinville signals a successful transition for the Henderson stable, effectively using the momentum of a high-profile win to anchor their campaign for the rest of the week while successfully filling the competitive void left by the retirement of former stable stars.