MIKE DICKSON: Constitution Hill lights up Cheltenham with superstar showing as Honeysuckle bows out

Constitution Hill was hailed as a superstar horse with limitless potential after taking an imperious victory in the Champion Hurdle here on Tuesday.

Jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson were left fighting for superlatives after he managed to win by nine lengths before relaxing at the finish ahead of State Man.

“He could do anything,” De Boinville said. He had a lot left, he is an exceptional horse, a superstar.

“That’s only the sixth race of his life, but this horse is reaching extraordinary levels,” Henderson said. That would bring tears to most of his eyes. He is quite unique.

While Constitution Hill’s imperious victory marked the arrival of a horse that promises to be a true great of the sport, another star retired with victory, as Honeysuckle ended her career by claiming the Mares’ Hurdle with Rachael Blackmore.

Nico de Boinville celebrates winning the Champion Hurdle aboard Constitution Hill (left) as Honeysuckle retires with another famous win (right)

It was an emotional victory for the 2021 and 2022 champion steeplechase, trained by Henry of Bromhead, as it came six months after his 13-year-old son Jack was killed in a horse riding accident.

“We all wish a very special child was here, but he will look down on us,” Blackmore said.

For Constitution Hill it was another cruise to victory that showed just how remarkable this horse is.

He has now won all six of his races, including last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, by a total of 86 lengths.

“It’s had six races now and it’s barely come loose,” Henderson said, “but it won’t last forever, so let’s enjoy it while we have it.”

“The Sprinter Sacre did incredible things for us and the excitement behind it for its return was incredible. This horse has climbed those steps after six races.

“It’s an extraordinary thing to happen, but he is an extraordinary horse who goes to extraordinary levels. We are lucky to be his custodian, but he carries a great responsibility with him.’

Rachael Blackmore aboard Honeysuckle (left) claimed the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham

It was a truly emotional win for Honeysuckle manager Henry De Bromhead (arm raised)

De Boinville need not have been alarmed as he effortlessly extended his lead in the closing stages: “I didn’t think we were in last position but he had a lot to go, he’s put a big turn around for me,” said the jockey.

‘I could feel everyone coming out for two, but he just overcame every obstacle.

‘It’s just a matter of when you push the button. This ground was really dead, and I didn’t want to get going too soon. He has won hard and to anyone backing him for 10 lengths or more I apologise! As soon as he got to the front, he pricked up his ears and said, “Come on, come on, come on and do the business.” She is an absolute superstar.

As for the future of Constitution Hill, De Boinville added: ‘I’m sure we’ll test it over a fence at some point. I guess we don’t want to pigeonhole him as just a hurdler; he could be anything. I think he would be good over a fence.