Old Park Star Triumphs
On March 10, 2026, the Cheltenham Festival commenced, drawing an expected crowd of about a quarter of a million attendees. The first race, the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is traditionally significant, setting the tone for the event.
Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star, the 15-8 market leader, secured a notable victory in this Grade One race, winning by a length and a half over Sober Glory. Mydaddypaddy finished closely behind in third place, just a nose away from Sober Glory.
This victory marked Nicky Henderson’s sixth win in the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival, further solidifying his long-standing association with the event, which has seen him achieve multiple successes since 1986.
Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Old Park Star’s performance was particularly poignant as it came on a day when Henderson bid farewell to his previous star, Constitution Hill. “On a day we’ve said goodbye to Constitution Hill (over jumps), it’s nice to come straight in and bring on a new one we hope could be a star,” Henderson remarked, expressing optimism for Old Park Star’s future.
The top four finishers in the race were all trained in Britain, showcasing the strength of local talent in this prestigious event. Henderson’s consistent success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle highlights his expertise in preparing horses for high-stakes competition.
Joint-trainer Johnson White, who guided Sober Glory to a second-place finish, expressed his disappointment, stating, “I couldn’t be more delighted with the run, obviously very disappointed to finish second.” Meanwhile, Dan Skelton, trainer of Mydaddypaddy, praised his horse’s performance, saying, “It was an almighty run from a five-year-old, I couldn’t be prouder of the horse.”
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is run over a distance of 2 miles and 87 yards, and it serves as a crucial starting point for many promising horses at the festival. With four days of racing ahead, the excitement and anticipation continue to build among fans and participants alike.
Nicky Henderson’s achievements at the Cheltenham Festival not only reflect his skill as a trainer but also contribute significantly to the legacy of the event itself. As the festival progresses, all eyes will be on Henderson and his team as they aim for further success.
