Blackmore will be forever grateful to ‘phenomenal’ Honeysuckle

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Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle have been a match made in heaven, each responsible for boosting the other’s career.

So it was fitting the sun shone on both at Cheltenham on Tuesday, with the mare showing guts aplenty to down Love Envoi and take the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

With 11 Grade One victories to her credit – four of them at the Festival – Honeysuckle bowed out in style and will now embark on a second career for owner Kenny Alexander in the paddocks.

One felt that nothing could top the roar that greeted the start of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle or Constitution Hill’s procession in the Champion Hurdle.

Yet the reception the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle and Blackmore received raised the volume more than a touch higher. Few have been accorded such acclamation at this famous old amphitheatre.

Of course, the weight of feeling was for De Bromhead, who has faced a horror no father or family should face, when tragically his 13-year-old son, Jack, died following a pony racing accident last summer.

Emotions were understandably hard to check, and especially for Blackmore who has been deeply affected by the tragedy.

Her first thoughts after the length-and-a-half success were with Jack.

She said: “We all wish a very special kid could be here today. He’s watching down on us.”

After taking a deep breath, she paid tribute to Honeysuckle, who had carried her to victory in the Champion Hurdle in 2021, making history as the first female rider to win the race.

“It was unbelievable,” she said. “The way Henry has produced her every day has been phenomenal.

“I’m so grateful. She is just a phenomenal mare. I knew I’d pick up again after the last but she is just an unbelievable mare.

“It is incredible what she has done for me, but it is incredible what she has done for all of us. You dream of being involved with something like her. It is just amazing and fair play to Henry he has done such an unbelievable job.

“What a way to be able to walk back in the winner’s enclosure today. I feel extremely lucky to have teamed up with her throughout my career.

“You come to Cheltenham with Honeysuckle to ride and every jockey dreams of having the likes of her to go to Cheltenham with. She has given us so much and I’m so grateful to her. It will be different without her here next year.”

Reflecting further, Blackmore told Racing TV: “Getting to come to Cheltenham for the last few years and having Honeysuckle to ride, that’s what a jockey wants. That is just dream stuff. I feel so lucky that I got to ride her the first day she ran and stay on her. It’s just great.

Joyous scenes at Cheltenham
Joyous scenes at Cheltenham (Tim Goode/PA)

“Ultimately Henry is the trainer and wants to train winners and his view was to aim her at the best race so we could walk back into the winners enclosure. I’m so glad he is an exceptional trainer because if she ran half an hour beforehand, it wouldn’t have been the same – we wouldn’t have got to the number one spot looking at that horse (Constitution Hill).

“Fair play to Henry for giving me and Honeysuckle and all of us the chance to celebrate her one more time.

“She is trying all the time. She is an incredible mare and Kenny Alexander is one of the coolest owners you can ever ride for. It is a weight off the shoulders, that’s for sure.”

She added of the dual Champion Hurdle heroine: “People are just unbelievable. The receptions she has got from Fairyhouse to Leopardstown, the crowds here. It is am amazing feeling to be the centre of that. You feel the centre of it when you are on the back of Honeysuckle walking in. It is directed at you. It is incredible. The people make it so special.

“She has been just an amazing thing for my career. She has just been incredible. It is not every jockey gets the chance to link up with something like her. I feel very lucky. So, so lucky.”

Henderson full of praise for De Boinville after ‘extraordinary’ Constitution Hill delivers

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In the end it was just as easy as all the preview nights said it would be for Constitution Hill, as racing hailed its newest superstar following the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson described training his latest wonder horse as easy as “ABC” and it was child’s play for Nico de Boinville, who continues to rack up the Grade Ones despite being under-utilised outside of Seven Barrows. To prove the De Boinville point he was completing the full set of Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle.

Only six, the Michael Buckley-owned Constitution Hill was having just the sixth race of his life, five of them in Grade One company, and remarkably this winning margin of nine lengths – agonising for those who backed him to win by more than 10 – was his smallest to date.

The most amazing thing about Constitution Hill is that nothing about him is amazing. He does not stand out in the paddock, he is not overly big, he does not seem to even be going that fast. But whatever his secret is, so far nothing can get near him.

Constitution Hill lets fly at the last
Constitution Hill lets fly at the last (Tim Goode/PA)

State Man, trained by Willie Mullins, would have been a worthy winner of the majority of Champion Hurdles, but he could not get anywhere near a horse who may well do for jump racing what Frankel did for the Flat.

Henderson said: “I’ve got watery eyes, I always have and I always will have, but that will bring tears to most eyes when you see a horse that is like that because I think it’s pretty unique.

“Only one of these horses come along in a lifetime. You can’t get a horse like this if you only have one horse, you have to have a lot of horses to find one of these and we are lucky.

“I think it is extraordinary that is just the sixth race of his life and he’s doing that now. We had some wonderful days here with Sprinter Sacre, in particular his comeback Champion Chase, that was about as unique as it got – but this horse is going to extraordinary levels at the moment.

“We are very lucky to be the custodians of this horse, but then the trouble is the responsibility that comes with that.”

When asked if Constitution Hill was the best he had trained Henderson said: “We’ll sleep on that one. They always say you should never paint a horse until he’s retired. It took me a long time before I would say Sprinter was better than say See You Then, but I had to admit it in the end. Altior was another great horse.”

He went on: “It’s a real team effort, Nico only sits on him occasionally for a little pop. but I can’t enjoy watching him – halfway up the run-in I can, but only then.

“I was stood next to Barry Geraghty, who I bought him off, and your heart is going a million and I heard the commentator say there was four minutes to post time and I was thinking ‘I can’t stand this for another four minutes!’.

“But I said to Barry I remember the exact same message going out when he won the Champion Chase on Sprinter.

“He is just an extraordinary horse, in his whole make-up and physique, but his biggest weapon is his mindset – it is totally and utterly unflappable. Training him is like ABC, you’d be pretty stupid if you got it wrong but we’ll get it wrong one day.

“The most important thing is that he doesn’t worry and neither does Nico. That’s why he is a brilliant jockey and why he’s ridden so many Grade One winners – Nico calms me down.”

Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson go back a long way
Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson go back a long way (Julian Herbert/PA)

Geraghty, a former Henderson stable jockey, sold Constitution Hill to his old boss for £120,000 – an absolute snip given what he has already achieved – and he has been part of the story from the start.

He said: “It’s special. It’s the way he’s so casual about everything, he just threw himself at the last.

“He didn’t even have a hard race, Nico kept it simple, kept him out of trouble and just popped away and let the horse do his thing. It’s surreal to watch.

“The nerves hit me 15 minutes before the race and I said to Nicky that I now know how he has felt for the past six months.

“Nicky has had some great horses but he’s said all along he’s had nothing like this.”

Nico De Boinville salutes the crowd
Nico De Boinville salutes the crowd (David Davies/PA)

Thoughts now inevitably turn to the future and De Boinville raised the possibility of next year going over fences.

He said: “He could do anything – I’m sure we will try him over a fence at some point. I guess we don’t want to pigeon hole 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.

“All those horses (Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Coneygree) are fantastic in their own right and they belong in their own era. I don’t like to compare them.”

More immediately, Buckley ruled out going to Punchestown and Aintree appears the next stop.

“I first came here when I was 19 when the three big races were the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup and I never thought I’d own a horse let alone have runner in this or have a winner in this. I can’t say I’ve had a better day on the racecourse ever,” he said.

“I think probably not (going to Ireland) this year. It is a rare year in that such a nice long gap between here and Aintree. Maybe we will think about that another day. I’d like to come to Ireland.”

Mullins joins everyone else in being in awe of Constitution Hill

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Willie Mullins hailed Constitution Hill as “a proper champion hurdler” after watching Nicky Henderson’s charge take apart the field in the first day highlight at the Cheltenham Festival.

The perennial Irish champion trainer fielded second-favourite State Man in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, with the Irish raider sent off a 7-2 shot in comparison to Constitution Hill’s 4-11 favourite tag.

State Man tracked Constitution Hill and briefly looked set to make a race of it turning for home – but the instant reaction when Nico de Boinville pushed the button on the market leader left State Man and jockey Paul Townend trailing in his wake.

State Man, who came into the race on the back of four Grade One wins and six successive victories in total, went down by nine lengths to the Michael Buckley-owned Constitution Hill, who was having his first run since winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Mullins said: “We ran very well, we just met a proper champion hurdler.

“We were happy, we’ve no excuses. Well done to Nicky and Michael and the team.

“Nico gave him a brave man’s ride. He set out and had the confidence he was on the best horse.

“I’m delighted for all the connections.”

Townend admitted he knew he was beaten some way out, lauding the winner as an “outstanding horse”.

He said: “We ran well. We were running for second I thought from a long way out.

“Nico was doing everything easily in front of me and all credit to the winner and his connections – they have an outstanding horse.

“From the back of the second-last, when Nico started to open up his lad, he was just getting further and further away from me.

“I have nothing but admiration for him (Constitution Hill).”

Constitution Hill (front right) had his Cheltenham rivals well beaten
Constitution Hill (front right) had his Cheltenham rivals well beaten (David Davies/PA)

Gordon Elliott saddled 66-1 shot Zanahiyr to finish third and he was more than happy with the result.

He said: “It was a great run to finish third behind a horse like the winner. There is a good chance he could go to Aintree and step back up to two and a half miles next month.

“He was still in with a big chance at that meeting last year but unluckily fell at the last hurdle. It would be great to see him make amends.”

Rich Ricci, owner of fourth home Vauban, was similarly impressed with the unbeaten Constitution Hill.

He said: “I think we might have been third but we tried to win the race and in the end we had no chance against a freak of a horse, and I say that in the nicest way, as he (the winner) is very, very good.”

Mullins backing Energumene to bounce back in Champion Chase defence

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Energumene has something to prove when he returns to Cheltenham to defend his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase crown on Wednesday.

The horse responsible for ensuring Willie Mullins has the full collection of championship events at the Festival looked set to become the dominant force in the two-mile chase division when following up his Champion Chase triumph in impressive style at the Punchestown Festival before then returning in rude health at Cork in December.

However, his momentum was checked on Trials day when Energumene could only finish third in the rearranged Clarence House Chase.

The master of Closutton identified a couple of reasons for the under-par performance in the aftermath of that contest and is hoping to see his charge correct the record in the day two feature.

“It was great to finally get a Champion Chase last year and I think in the Clarence House he just needed the run over those different style of fences,” said Mullins.

“Even though he’d schooled over them at home, sometimes a horse just needs to get out on the track and see the thing and I’m sure that experience will stand to him when it comes to jumping off in the Champion Chase.

“There’s no such thing as a slowly-run Champion Chase and I think that’s going to suit us.

“The Clarence House was a very tactical race and I think a few jockeys might change tactics the next day.

“We learnt a lot I think and I’m happy and Paul (Townend) is happy he’ll improve a lot from that day.”

Energumene had to settle for third in the Clarence House with the Gary Moore-trained Editeur Du Gite making most before holding off the fast-finishing Edwardstone in a thrilling finish.

It was Alan King’s Arkle hero who went into most notebooks on that occasion and the Barbury Castle handler is happy with where he has the favourite ahead of the main event.

“I would obviously have preferred to have won (on Trials day), but it wasn’t to be and Gary’s horse battled back well,” said King.

“I’m very happy where I have the horse and we can’t do any more our end.

“We’re in very good shape for Wednesday, we just hope to get a nice, clean run now and see what happens.”

Festival Trials Day – Cheltenham Racecourse – Saturday 28th January
Editeur Du Gite (right) ridden by Niall Houlihan clears a fence before going on to win the Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

Editeur Du Gite’s victory was the second time this season he has caused an upset in a key Champion Chase trial, having also won the Desert Orchid Chase, and Moore sees no reason why the nine-year-old cannot play a leading role once again.

He said: “As long as he is as good as he was last time, that’s what he needs to be really.

“I see no reason why he can’t run like that again. I’m very happy with him, his preparation has gone well and it’s all systems go.”

Editeur Du Gite wears the colours carried to Champion Chase success by the stable’s Sire De Grugy in 2014 and Moore admits the improvement his contender has shown this season has caught him by surprise.

“Hopefully he can do the same as Sire De Grugy,” he continued.

“It would be nice and also a bit unbelievable – something I never thought he would be doing anyway. But it just shows you never know in this game!

“It’s surprised me how much he has improved but time is an amazing thing in racing and he has improved a massive amount and probably needs to improve a bit more now as well.”

The race will also be a big occasion for Niall Houlihan, who has struck up a fine relationship with Editeur Du Gite and will be riding in the Champion Chase for the first time.

“It’s a massive day for him and there’s a lot of responsibility on his head, but he’s a pretty cool guy and I don’t think it will be a problem to him,” added Moore.

“Everyone knows how Editeur Du Gite races and will be well aware of it and I hope Niall is as well – I’m sure he will be. If the others want to go fast with him, then so be it.”

Nube Negra won the Shloer Chase over course and distance in November, but was somewhat disappointing when second to Editeur Du Gite at Kempton in the Desert Orchid.

Dan Skelton alongside Nube Negra, during a visit to Dan Skelton’s stables at Lodge Hill, Alcester
Dan Skelton alongside Nube Negra, during a visit to Dan Skelton’s stables at Lodge Hill, Alcester (Jacob King?PA)

He has been freshened up by Dan Skelton ahead of another crack at the Champion Chase – attempting to go one better than his second to Put The Kettle On in 2021.

“Nube Negra goes very well fresh and is very good around the course,” said Skelton.

“Any dry days or hours would be appreciated. The day he beat Altior at Kempton it was officially described as soft, but we do know the better the ground, the more suitable it is for him.

“He’s very good at home and I couldn’t have him any better to be honest.”

Greaneteen was only a length and a half further back in fourth on that occasion and has since won the Tingle Creek twice.

He suffered a surprise defeat in the Game Spirit at Newbury, but trainer Paul Nicholls felt his charge really needed the outing that day.

Greaneteen disappointed at Newbury last month
Greaneteen disappointed at Newbury last month (Nigel French/PA)

He told Betfair: “I couldn’t be happier with Greaneteen who is much sharper now after a below-0par run at Newbury a month ago when I left him under cooked. I think you can put a line through that run when he was too fresh and the ground was quicker than he likes.

“Greaneteen pleased me in an away day at Lambourn recently, is much fitter going to Cheltenham and will appreciate some ease in the ground. He ran very well when finishing a close fourth in the race two years ago and I can see him being placed again.”

Venetia Williams’ Funambule Sivola won the Game Spirit and was also runner-up in this last year, while Captain Guinness completes the line-up attempting to provide Henry de Bromhead with a fourth Champion Chase trophy.

Honeysuckle brings the house down with emotional victory

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There were joyous scenes on day one of the Cheltenham Festival when Honeysuckle brought the curtain down on her phenomenal career with an emotional victory in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

The sparkle of Henry de Bromhead’s superstar had seemingly been on the wane this term and the decision was made to return the dual Champion Hurdle heroine to the race she first announced herself in at the Festival for her swansong.

And the nine-year-old did not let her adoring public down by showing all the qualities that have made her one of the most loved and admired mares of the modern era.

Sent off the 9-4 joint-favourite, ever-loyal jockey Rachael Blackmore had Honeysuckle positioned in second throughout tracking the front-running Love Envoi and although the pack swarmed as the field made their way down the hill, the order remained the same until after the last.

With Love Envoi refusing to lie down, the brave mare Honeysuckle responded to every urging of her rider to gallop up the Cheltenham hill one more time, going to the bottom of the well and digging deep to edge her way to a titanic one-and-a-half-length triumph.

The win gave her a fourth at the Festival and she signs off as one of the all-time greats having won 17 of her 19 career starts.

The reception afterwards reflected not only the performance of Honeysuckle but the genuine affection for De Bromhead and his family, who lost son Jack in a tragic pony racing accident in September.

De Bromhead said: “It’s the fairytale ending that never normally happens. It’s incredible.

Henry de Bromhead celebrates Honeysuckle's latest Cheltenham success
Henry de Bromhead celebrates Honeysuckle’s latest Cheltenham success (Tim Goode/PA)

“I’m so happy for the mare and Rachael and Kenny (Alexander, owner) and all of us. This (reception) is what she deserves. She’s such an unbelievable mare. I’m blown away.

“We’ve had a terrible year with Jack and everything. It’s been an incredibly tough time and we’re really grateful for the support everyone has given us.

“You dream that these kind of things will happen, but more often than not they don’t. It’s the result everybody wanted, but you’d daren’t believe that it will happen.”

The County Waterford trainer felt justified in allowing Honeysuckle to bow out against her own sex following Constitution Hill’s breathtaking display in the Champion Hurdle earlier in the afternoon.

He added: “She’s been in great form all year and thankfully we picked the right race when you see the other lad in the Champion Hurdle!

“I was a bit worried jumping the last – I thought Love Envoi was gone on us. But Honeysuckle rarely knows when she’s beaten and she read the script.”

When asked if Honeysuckle’s racing career was definitely over, De Bromhead quipped: “I presume it is, but there is the Mares Champion Hurdle in Punchestown!

“I’ll get a few drinks into Kenny later, Peter Molony (racing manager) will be in one ear saying ‘Walk In The Park’ and I’ll be in the other saying ‘walk to Punchestown!’.”

Alexander, though, definitively confirmed his remarkable mare will be retired as he reflected on his “best ever day in racing”.

Kenny Alexander flanked by Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead on the winner's rostrum
Kenny Alexander flanked by Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead on the winner’s rostrum (Tim Goode/PA)

“It’s staggering really. It’s great for Henry and his family to get that victory under their belt,” said the Scotsman.

“I came here more in hope than anything, but I did back her. She went to 4-1 last night, which was outrageous.

“I’ve never said she’s the greatest ever hurdler, she undoubtedly isn’t. In fact, the one before (Constitution Hill) might turn out to be, but she’s got to be one of the bravest and one of the most loved. The people here love her and the people in Ireland adore her.

“I said after Leopardstown she’s not going to win a Champion Hurdle, but if she’s still running to a level of form where she can win a Mares’, let’s go for it – and if she loses, so what?

“This is a proper send-off. I don’t want to go to Punchestown. It would be nice to do it in front of the Irish people and if they want to take her there to show her off, I’m more than happy to do that, but I don’t want to run her and go to the well once too often.

“She’s going out on a high now – nothing can match it really. Let her enjoy her retirement.

“One million per cent this is my best ever day in racing.”

Constitution Hill simply magnificent in Champion Hurdle cruise

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Constitution Hill lit up day one of the Cheltenham Festival as he took the Unibet Champion Hurdle crown in sublime style.

This race had been seen as the six-year-old’s date with destiny ever since romping to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago – and Nicky Henderson’s charge did not disappoint, much to the delight of a packed Prestbury Park crowd.

Sent off at odds of 4-11, jockey Nico de Boinville was keen to keep things simple and had the Michael Buckley-owned winner tracking I Like To Move It, who was setting the fractions.

Travelling with supreme ease, Constitution Hill’s super-slick hurdling saw him breeze to the front after three out and De Boinville was simply nudging his mount forwards as he drew clear of the chasing back rounding the turn for home.

He was soon sauntering up the hill with victory from the Willie Mullins-trained State Man secured, and De Boinville was able to turn to the crowd and milk the applause as Constitution Hill in a canter.

Victory saw De Boinville join an illustrious role of honour to have won the Festival’s three biggest prizes, while Constitution Hill crushed the trends to become the first horse since dual race winner Bula’s first Champion Hurdle triumph in 1971 to follow up victory in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

For Henderson, he added Champion Hurdle number nine to his illustrious CV and there is every chance this could be the best of the lot to step foot in Seven Barrows.

“I’ve got watery eyes, I always have and I always will have, but that will bring tears to most eyes when you see a horse that is like that because I think it’s pretty unique,” he said.

“I’ve had 12 months of anxious moments, but that is our life and the closer it gets the more anxious you get. Have we done this and have we done that, but there is a brilliant team behind it all and they have been fantastic.

“We all know the last few weeks are horrible, I hope I haven’t been too bad but they have been absolutely brilliant.

“Only one of these horses come along in a lifetime. You can’t get a horse like this if you only have one horse, you have to have a lot of horses to find one of these and we are lucky.

“I think it is extraordinary that is just the sixth race of his life and he’s doing that now. We had some wonderful days here with Sprinter Sacre, in particular his comeback Champion Chase, that was about as unique as it got – but this horse is going to extraordinary levels at the moment.

“We are very lucky to be the custodians of this horse, but then the trouble is the responsibility that comes with that.”

When asked if Constitution Hill was the best he had trained, Henderson said: “We’ll sleep on that one. They always say you should never paint a horse until he’s retired. It took me a long time before I would say Sprinter was better than say See You Then, but I had to admit it in the end. Altior was another great horse.

“We’ve just been very lucky, but this looks totally unique – he’s just so unflappable. I went to see him last night and fed him a pocket full of carrots and then Jaydon (Lee, stable lad) went to give him another ton of carrots but nothing worries him, he just ate them.

“I was saying you need to be eating something that is good for you, not carrots – you’re not racing in the dark!”

De Boinville said: “Constitution Hill’s jumping took me there all the time and I just used the hills to fill him up again.

“I didn’t see one (a stride) at the last, but he did – I had visions of Annie Power! Thankfully, he knows better than me. He was foot-perfect everywhere.

“For the last two weeks I just decided to switch off all the white noise as it was just ridiculous – everybody was talking about it.

“The guv’nor had him in great order and I think he’s proved to everyone what a fabulous racehorse he is.”

He added: “On a personal level, it’s been a dream of mine to get the big three and I’m delighted I’ve achieved it.”

Corach Rambler is the Ultima hero once again

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Corach Rambler enhanced his claims for the Randox Grand National when becoming the fourth back-to-back winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Lucinda Russell’s 6-1 favourite pounced late to land the Cheltenham Festival spoils 12 months ago and was ridden cold once again by Derek Fox.

Always travelling easily for the National-winning pilot, the enigmatic nine-year-old was coaxed into contention as the race began to unfold and was then asked to join the party jumping the last – from where he knuckled down gamely to stay on to the line, holding off Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow to extend the dominance of British-trained horses in this race.

He will now head to Aintree on April 15 and was made the 7-1 joint-favourite for the Merseyside marathon by Betfair, while William Hill go further with Corach Rambler their 6-1 favourite, cut from 10s.

Russell’s partner and assistant Peter Scudamore said: “It’s a great thrill. I do appreciate how incredibly fortunate I am and if a bolt of lightning hits me on the way out, I’d die a happy man.

“The funny thing is that his jumping is getting better and he was closer than last year.

“All Derek wants to do is go out there and ride and that is the mark of the man.”

Russell added: “It’s such a special pleasure to be here and to watch the horse enjoying himself.

“The track is so stiff but he picked up speed round the corner. It was phenomenal.

“When he hits the front he pulls himself up a bit – it’s just magic that you can have a runner here, let alone a winner.

“He will now go the Aintree for the National. He deserves to have a crack and that’s the next step.”

Michael O’Sullivan struck aboard Jazzy Matty in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle to cap a fine opening day for the young rider who earlier took the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Marine Nationale.

Jazzy Matty ridden by Michael O’Sullivan on their way to winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival
Jazzy Matty ridden by Michael O’Sullivan on their way to winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival (Mike Egerton/PA)

The 18-1 scorer led home an all-Irish one-two-three-four to get Gordon Elliott off the mark for the week.

Elliott said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The horse is a brother to Delta Work, who is obviously a very good chaser for us.

“We knew he had a good enough mark coming over, but we thought he might just lack the experience.

“It is great to get a winner – I thought I might struggle to get a winner today to be honest. We had a few each-way chances, but to pull something out on the first day is unbelievable.”

The Cullentra House handler was also full of praise for the winning rider.

He added: “He doesn’t get that many rides for us, but he comes into the yard every Monday, never says anything, if I give him a ride, I give him a ride.

“I actually thought he claimed five (pounds). I put him down on the horse and I didn’t realise he claimed three (in England). I think he was lucky that if I’d copped it, it might not have happened, but in fairness he gave the horse a brilliant ride. He was slow at the last but didn’t panic. I’m delighted for him.”

O’Sullivan added: “It is unbelievable. Thanks very much to Gordon and the Browns for putting me up on him.

“I suppose I’m claiming 5lb in Ireland but only claiming 3lb here, so I probably lost a couple of rides in handicaps because of that, but in fairness to Gordon, he kept me on him.

“He got a bit of a fright at the first hurdle and was very careful after that. I thought we went very slow and he’s a big horse, so I gave him plenty of room and he travelled everywhere for me. I knew coming to the last I was wrong, but I didn’t want to be confusing him, because he was being careful up until then.

“I was confident enough I had plenty of horse left and I’d say he won with a bit in hand,. He is a nice horse going forward.”

Patrick Mullins won the WellChild National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase for the second year in a row aboard his father’s Gaillard Du Mesnil.

Gaillard Du Mesnil ridden by Patrick Mullins wins the WellChild National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival
Gaillard Du Mesnil ridden by Patrick Mullins wins the WellChild National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old has placed in Grade One company at the last two Festivals, but it looked as if the 10-11 favourite had his work cut out to reel in the forward-going Mahler Mission.

However, John McConnell’s charge tipped up at the second-last to allow Gaillard Du Mesnil to put his stamina to good use and stay on past Chemical Energy in the closing stages.

He was shortened into 12-1 from 16s by Coral for the Grand National, but his handler indicated that race may come too soon in the aftermath.

“I think we were a bit fortunate to be honest with John McConnell’s horse falling, but that’s racing,” said Mullins.

“It was a tough three miles and six furlongs and while we were behind, Patrick thought they’d gone fast enough. I’m very happy.

“I don’t know about Aintree, I don’t know if it will come too soon for him so we’ll see.

“I’m thrilled for the owners, Joe and Marie (Donnelly), they were second in the Champion Hurdle, too.”

Patrick Mullins said: “He jumped a bit high. I think it was the white fences. We had the put in at home and he jumped them high there, too.

“Over that distance you just want them to pop, not expand energy, but after the first circuit he was better.”

Impaire Et Passe leads Mullins’ Ballymore charge

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Impaire Et Passe will lead a four-strong team for Willie Mullins into battle in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

Ireland’s perennial champion trainer has saddled five previous winners of the Festival’s day two curtain-raiser, with the brilliant Faugheen (2014) and last year’s victor Sir Gerhard among them.

In the lead-up to this year’s renewal, the Closutton dogs have been barking the name of Impaire Et Passe, who was an 18-length winner at Naas on his Irish debut before dominating his rivals in the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The latter event is more traditionally a trial for Cheltenham’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Vautour (2014) and Douvan (2015) both doing the double – but Mikael D’Haguenet won the Moscow Flyer and the Ballymore in 2009 and Impaire Et Passe is a hot favourite to follow suit.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, does not expect a step up in trip to be an issue, saying: “The training preparation has gone well and soft ground shouldn’t be a problem. He is a nice individual.

“Obviously, he is trying a new trip, but he has won on soft and heavy ground on his two most recent starts, so we go in there really hopeful.”

Impaire Et Passe is joined by a trio of stablemates in Gaelic Warrior, Champ Kiely and Ho My Lord.

Gaelic Warrior was beaten a head after being heavily backed for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at last year’s Festival, but is three from three this term – most recently carrying top-weight to success in handicap company at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Champ Kiely won at a Grade One at Naas on his latest outing, while Ho My Lord faces a steep rise in class after winning a maiden hurdle at Navan.

Hermes Allen is a chaser for the future, Paul Nicholls insists
Hermes Allen is a chaser for the future, Paul Nicholls insists (Adam Davy/PA)

Paul Nicholls has perhaps his best chance of the week with Hermes Allen, although has made no secret of the fact that he considers him a chaser in the making.

The six-year-old also puts his unbeaten record on the line, having won all three starts over hurdles, including the Grade One Challow Novices’ Hurdle in soft ground at Newbury.

Nicholls said: “Almost everything that finished behind him at Newbury has won since, so it has turned out to be a very good race.

“He has got a huge amount of ability and I’m excited about going to Cheltenham, but I’m as excited about going chasing with him next year – he will be a lovely horse to go chasing with.

“He has worked nicely and is in good shape. Two and a half (miles) is ideal for him.

“It is a very good race, the Irish have some good horses in there, but he’s got a great chance – he jumps, he’ll be ridden forward and he is a lovely horse.

“He has probably got the best chance of ours, according to the betting, anyway. It is a very good-looking, competitive race. He’s done very well and will hopefully go close to winning.”

On a high after the victory of Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’, owner-trainer Barry Connell justifiably has high hopes for Good Land, who won a Grade One novice hurdle over two and three-quarter miles at Leopardstown last month.

Good Land has won at the top level over further
Good Land has won at the top level over further (Donall Farmer/PA)

He said: “He is like Marine Nationale, a late developer. This one is seven and only just started running this year.

“Unlike the other one, he won’t mind soft ground. He won his bumper on heavy ground at Wexford and any ground would be fine for him.

“He is a strong traveller and has plenty of stamina. He jumps great and has all the attributes you need to be successful in a Grade One at Cheltenham. I think he has a genuine chance of winning.”

El Fabiolo sees off old rival Jonbon for Arkle glory

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El Fabiolo got the better of Jonbon in the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy, to get Willie Mullins and Paul Townend off the mark at the Cheltenham Festival.

The duo fought out a titanic battle over hurdles at Aintree last season and the rematch was just as entertaining, with the main protagonists coming to the fore in the closing stages.

Dysart Dynamo took up his customary position setting the pace at the head of proceedings, with both Aidan Coleman aboard Jonbon and Townend on El Fabiolo content to stalk the front-runner as Danny Mullins led the field along with his usual zest.

Jonbon crept on Dysart Dynamo’s tail heading down country to three out and was soon angled out to press the Closutton second string. But Townend bided his time aboard the 11-10 favourite, only moving El Fabiolo into contention rounding the home bend.

From then the powerhouse clash all at Prestbury Park had been waiting for ensued as the big three matched strides from two out to the last and when Dysart Dynamo fell at the final fence, El Fabiolo was still full of running and confirmed the promise of his hugely impressive performance from the Dublin Racing Festival.

He was five and a half lengths clear of Nicky Henderson’s 2-1 second-favourite at the line, with Closutton stablemate Saint Roi staying on to pick up third at 11-1.

El Fabiolo and jockey Paul Townend return to the winner's enclosure
El Fabiolo and jockey Paul Townend return to the winner’s enclosure (Tim Goode/PA)

Mullins said: “He travelled as well as I was hoping the whole way. Paul said he hit a flat spot down the back but then when he picked him up, he came alive under him.

“I didn’t watch the finish as I was trying to watch our other horse who had fallen, but thankfully he’s OK.

“It’s good to get on the board early in the day. It was a bit of a worry at the last but I thought, all being well, it looked like he had enough in reserve at that stage.

“He has a habit of brushing through the top of his fences but it is not something we are practicing! Like a lot of French horses, he can find a fifth leg due to all the schooling they do early in their careers.

“I’m not looking to up him in trip yet, I always think if a horse is comfortable at two miles they are easier to train and keep sound, so I’m hoping he’s a Champion Chase horse for next year.”

Townend added: “I was half afraid Danny (Mullins, on Dysart Dynamo) was getting a bit of a freebie at one stage and Danny is very dangerous from the front. At the same time Dysart likes to get on with it and wasn’t giving Danny an easy time.

“The ground is testing and it’s taking a bit of getting. When I was left on my own I got a little idle down the back, but when I wanted him to race he came alive for me.

“He’s not the most natural of jumpers at every fence, but he knows where his feet are and he gets away with it.

“He was brave to go down the inner at two out and there wasn’t a whole lot there at the last, but again he found his feet at the back of it and he galloped to the top of that hill on the ground, which is a good sign.”

Jonbon in Arkle action
Jonbon in Arkle action (Tim Goode/PA)

Henderson felt the Cheltenham ground had slightly gone against Jonbon.

He said: “I’ve always said and felt he’d be better on better ground – he gallops like that.

“He’s done nothing wrong. He came to have a crack at it. We were tracking Dysart Dynamo and I’m glad to see he’s OK, which is important. We got him, but the other fellow was doing the same to us.”

When asked whether Jonbon is now likely to step up in trip, the trainer added: “Definitely. I think he’d go as far as you like on good ground.

“We’ll definitely look at Aintree. I don’t think you’d go to three miles, but you’d certainly go two and a half. Aintree is the one place you want to step them all up half a mile.

“All being well, the others will stay in Ireland and we’ll go to Aintree.”

Marine Nationale sinks Facile Vega in Supreme Novices’

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Michael O’Sullivan produced an ice-cool ride aboard Marine Nationale to register a famous victory for trainer Barry Connell in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Sullivan was still in college when Constitution Hill was winning the Festival opener 12 months ago, while his only previous taste of the Prestbury Park showpiece was an uneventful spin on an outsider in the Kim Muir in 2022.

The young Irishman pounced late to secure the Royal Bond earlier in the season and followed a similar script here, riding the unbeaten six-year-old with ultimate confidence.

As 9-4 favourite Facile Vega forced his way to the front in the hands of Paul Townend two out and then lengthened for home, O’Sullivan was motionless aboard Marine Nationale, with a target firmly locked on Facile Vega’s tail.

Jumping the last Marine Nationale still had a length to find, but once clearing the final obstacle the result was a formality and O’Sullivan simply had to push the button aboard the 9-2 shot as he sprinted clear for a three-and-a-quarter-length success.

It was also a huge moment in the fledgling training career of owner-trainer Connell, whose colours have been seen in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure before but for the first time with the former amateur rider’s name on the training licence.

O’Sullivan said: “They didn’t go a great gallop, but that suited me because my horse is quick.

“I was in a slightly wider position that I would have liked, but I was happy with the room because he doesn’t have a lot of experience.

Marine Nationale and jockey Michael O’Sullivan make their way back
Marine Nationale and jockey Michael O’Sullivan make their way back (Tin Goode/PA)

“I was alongside Facile Vega and travelling very well. At the bottom of the hill I was just saving him, Paul had kicked on Facile but I was happy enough that he’d come back to me.

“He had a good look at the last, we went and popped it and he actually won very snuggly in the end, I never got serious on him at all, I gave him a few flicks but that was it.

“We know he’s going to be better on better ground, it was an unbelievable performance, he’s not even having a blow.

“The ground wasn’t as bad as it was when he won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, I was just hoping it allowed him to show his true ability.”

He added: “His jumping will get better. He didn’t really put a foot wrong but he wasn’t as quick through the air as you’d like for a two-miler, but I think on better ground he would be, he’s an intelligent horse in general and I’m so lucky to be involved in him.

“Barry being confident didn’t put pressure on me, but I suppose the punters took it into account and that brings a small bit of pressure but I can only do what I can do. Barry put his neck out and he was right.

“I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was a kid. It’s a bit surreal and it won’t sink in yet, this year has been so good it’s hard to appreciate it, I don’t think it can be topped but I’m just enjoying every minute of it.”

Barry Connell and Michael O'Sullivan celebrate with Marine Nationale
Barry Connell and Michael O’Sullivan celebrate with Marine Nationale (Mike Egerton/PA)

A jubilant Connell said: “It’s the best feeling of all time.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself saying he was the best horse in the race, but I genuinely felt he’s the best horse I’ve ever had.

“I came over on the boat and I told every Irish person on there to back the two horses (Marine Nationale and Good Land (who runs on Wednesday). I said they were the best two novices in Ireland, so at least I’m off the hook partially after today! I’d have had to go back in disguise if we’d got beat.

“This horse is unlike any horse I’ve had before as the previous Grade One horses were mainly stayers. This is a quick horse who is probably a Group One horse on the Flat – and we might get around to that at some stage.

“Today was his day. He’s had five runs and won all five runs, his jockey is a superstar and my staff are the best staff anywhere in the world.

“We’re absolutely blessed to have found the next superstar of the weighing room in Michael O’Sullivan, you mark his name. Have you ever seen a cooler ride in Cheltenham? Unbelievable. If you gave me any jockey riding I wouldn’t swap him.”

He went on: “I said beforehand if you want to win a Grade One in Cheltenham you need a horse with five attributes – you need a quick horse who can hold their position, you want to be a very good jumper, you want a brilliant temperament and guts and stamina to be able to stay up the hill.

“I rode into the winner’s enclosure twice here as a rider at the November meeting, but it pales into insignificance compared to doing it as an owner and a trainer – this is unreal.

“I enjoy of the process of getting out of the car in the morning and just being with the horses, being out on the gallops and talking to the staff. The whole process really energises me.

“I hope we’re only beginning the journey now.”

Connell envisages Marine Nationale embarking on a career over fences next season.

He said: “This lad will probably come back for the Arkle next year – unless Constitution Hill keels over between now and then!

“My initial thoughts at this point of time would be Arkle, but we’ll see. He’ll have an entry in Punchestown and then will be out in the field. Today is for enjoying.”

In contrast, Willie Mullins struggled to hide his disappointment with the defeat of Facile Vega.

“I think a good horse won the race, a very good horse won the race,” he said to Racing TV.

“What more can you say. Congratulations to Barry Connell and Mikey O’Sullivan. I don’t see why he would need to go up in trip – he looked the fastest horse in the race anyway. He had everything dead to one mile… anyway, I’m not going to say any more about it.”

Facile Vega jumps the last
Facile Vega jumps the last (Mike Egerton/PA)

Townend reflected: “It probably wasn’t run at the fastest pace and he settled well and jumped fine.

“He probably jumped his way in there down the hill, but I got all the way into the straight without committing him and Michael was very keen on the winner – he probably gave him a very good ride for a young rider.

“It was disappointing. The mistake at the last didn’t help, but I’d say we were getting the worse of it anyway.”