Nicky Henderson’s Achievement
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, and this year was no exception as Nicky Henderson celebrated a remarkable milestone.
Old Park Star, the 15-8 market leader, triumphed in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, marking Henderson’s sixth victory in this prestigious opening race. Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Old Park Star won by a length and a half over Sober Glory, with Mydaddypaddy finishing third, just a nose behind Sober Glory.
Nicky Henderson expressed his delight following the race, stating, “This is a race that’s been kind to us over the years.” This victory comes on a poignant day as it marks the retirement of Henderson’s previous star, Constitution Hill, over jumps.
Henderson’s optimism for Old Park Star’s future was evident as he remarked, “On a day we’ve said goodbye to Constitution Hill, it’s nice to come straight in and bring on a new one we hope could be a star.” His confidence reflects the potential he sees in Old Park Star as a successor to his former champion.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade One race covering a distance of 2 miles and 87 yards, and the top four finishers this year were all trained in Britain, showcasing the strength of British horse racing.
Joint-trainer Johnson White, who managed Sober Glory, expressed his disappointment at finishing second, saying, “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.”
Henderson’s long association with the Cheltenham Festival has seen him achieve multiple wins since 1986, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading trainers in the sport. The 2026 Cheltenham Festival, spanning four days, promises to showcase more thrilling races and potential future stars.
As the festival unfolds, the excitement surrounding Nicky Henderson and his horses continues to grow, with fans eager to see what the rest of the event holds.