State Man won the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, moving trainer Willie Mullins closer to 100 wins at the event.
State Man, ridden by Paul Townend, went in as the 2/5 favourite after defending champion Constitution Hill was ruled out of the race earlier this month.
Not So Sleepy and Nemean Lion moved out in front at the outset of the two-mile, half-furlong race, with Irish Point joining the duo with five jumps to go.
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Townend’s patience was rewarded as he hung back before making his move on the race down to the final hurdle, with State Man powering away after a fine leap, leaving his competitors nowhere to be seen.
The seven-year-old handed Mullins his 96th Festival victory as he looks to become the first person to bring up a century at the iconic event.
STATE MAN DELIVERS 🤯
He wins the @UnibetRacing Champion Hurdle easily 👏 pic.twitter.com/pY01lgSfWf
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2024
His 95th triumph came earlier on Tuesday as Gaelic Warrior took the Arkle Chase.
Speaking to ITV Sport after the Champion Hurdle, Mullins said: “Paul rode so well – I didn’t dream he would be fifth or sixth jumping the fourth-last but he rode him with supreme confidence.
“He probably thought the ground would take it out of the horses in front of him. When you’re riding with confidence, you can do that.”
In a cheeky reference to Constitution Hill’s withdrawal, the Irishman said: “You’ve got to turn up to win a Champion Hurdle, and we turned up!”
Irish Point followed State Man home at 9/2, while James Bowen rode 33/1 shot Luccia to third for Nicky Henderson in the absence of stablemate Constitution Hill.
State Man, Rachel & Paul 💚🇮🇪
You love to see it 😍 pic.twitter.com/xnjqbWB389
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2024
Full Champion Hurdle result (15:30, 2m 1/2f):
1 State Man (P Townend) 2/5 Fav
2 Irish Point (J W Kennedy) 9/2
3 Luccia (J Bowen) 33/1
4 Zarak The Brave (D A Jacob) 22/1
5 Colonel Mustard (J J Slevin) 50/1
6 Nemean Lion (R Patrick) 12/1
7 Not So Sleepy (S Bowen) 33/1
PU Iberico Lord (N de Boinville) 11/1
