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14/11/2024 12:00

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    State 'executing all preparations flawlessly' in anticipation of Champion Hurdle
State 'executing all preparations flawlessly' in anticipation of Champion Hurdle
State Man with jockey Paul Townend at Irish Champion Hurdle — Alan Crowhurst

State 'executing all preparations flawlessly' in anticipation of Champion Hurdle

With Constitution Hill unable to defend his throne, State Man seems to have been handed a golden opportunity to seize Unibet Champion Hurdle glory on day one of the esteemed Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old has tasted defeat just once since joining forces with Willie Mullins - a setback suffered at the hands of Nicky Henderson's exceptional hurdler a year ago. State Man has since clinched his second Morgiana Hurdle, second Matheson Hurdle, and second Irish Champion Hurdle, elevating his Grade One wins to a remarkable eight.

Recent optimism within the Mullins camp hinted at a potentially fierce showdown between the chestnut gelding and Constitution Hill, making the cancellation of their anticipated rematch a significant disappointment for the race. State Man now finds himself as the firm favourite to secure Mullins his fifth Champion Hurdle victory, following the successes of Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, and Annie Power.

Mullins, however, remains cautious, acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport:

“He looks a worthy favourite and hopefully he can prove himself to be a proper favourite. He’s been doing everything right, so it would be great if he could win a Champion Hurdle, but nothing is a given when you come over here.”

Paul Townend, who has guided State Man to all but one of his career victories, is optimistic about their chances, stating,

“He’s been excellent this season, hopefully, he can keep it going for another day. This is his third time here, so he knows the run of the place already.”

A strong contender to challenge the favourite is Gordon Elliott’s Irish Point, initially slated for the Stayers’ Hurdle but now redirected to the Champion Hurdle in light of recent developments.

Henderson, a nine-time Champion Hurdle winner, is not deterred by Constitution Hill’s absence, fielding Iberico Lord and Luccia in a dual attack. Both horses are well-regarded, with Henderson expressing confidence in their abilities to compete against the likes of State Man.

The home team features Kerry Lee’s Nemean Lion and Hughie Morrison’s resilient veteran Not So Sleepy, who has been primed for this race since his triumph at the rescheduled Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Mullins introduces a youthful second string in Zarak The Brave, while Lorna Fowler’s outsider Colonel Mustard remains a mystery in the grand scheme of things.

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