On March 10, 2026, the Cheltenham Festival commenced, drawing an expected crowd of around a quarter of a million attendees. The first day of the festival is always significant, and this year was no exception as Nicky Henderson celebrated a notable achievement.

In the opening race, the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Henderson’s horse, Old Park Star, emerged victorious. Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Old Park Star was the 15-8 market leader and won the race by a length and a half over Sober Glory, with Mydaddypaddy finishing third, just a nose behind.

This victory marked Nicky Henderson’s sixth win in this prestigious opening race at the Cheltenham Festival, a testament to his long-standing success at the event since 1986. Henderson expressed his delight, stating, “This is a race that’s been kind to us over the years.”

In the wake of this win, Henderson also reflected on the retirement of his previous star, Constitution Hill, saying, “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.” His optimism for Old Park Star’s future is palpable.

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade One race covering 2 miles and 87 yards, and the top four finishers were all trained in Britain, showcasing the strength of British horse racing.

Joint-trainer Johnson White, who was disappointed with the second-place finish of Sober Glory, remarked, “I couldn’t be more delighted with the run, obviously very disappointed to finish second.” Meanwhile, Dan Skelton, trainer of Mydaddypaddy, praised the performance of his horse, stating, “It was an almighty run from a five-year-old, I couldn’t be prouder of the horse.”

As the festival continues over its four-day span, the excitement surrounding Nicky Henderson and his horses remains high. The success of Old Park Star not only adds to Henderson’s legacy but also sets a hopeful tone for the future of his racing stable.

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