Flawless Victory for State Man in Champion Hurdle

In a notable display at the Cheltenham Festival, State Man proved his worth by securing victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The chestnut, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, entered the race as the 2-5 favourite, stepping up in the absence of the previous year's champion, Constitution Hill. 

The seven-year-old navigated the course smoothly along the inside rail, with only Irish Point from Gordon Elliott’s stable keeping pace. Ultimately, it was State Man who prevailed by a length and a quarter, leaving Constitution Hill’s representative, Luccia, to claim third place.

Mullins expressed his admiration for Townend's strategic ride, highlighting the jockey's confidence and decision-making during the race. He acknowledged that while State Man may excel at other tracks like Leopardstown, his Champion Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion.

Elliott, pleased with Irish Point's performance in the Champion Hurdle, commended the decision to switch races and praised the horse's competitive spirit. Jack Kennedy, the rider of Irish Point, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the horse's resilience despite the defeat.

Amidst the speculation about Constitution Hill's absence, Mullins reaffirmed the importance of showing up and competing, underlining the significance of State Man's victory as a deserving Champion Hurdle winner. Looking ahead, Mullins hinted at the possibility of another showdown next year, showcasing his confidence in State Man's capabilities.