With reigning champ, the peerless Constitution Hill, not able to defend his crown following a bad scope and lacklustre work last week, Willie Mullins' seven-year-old looks to have an almost free run of going one better than last year and landing the feature on the first day.
It is likely to be another successful week for Irish champion trainer Mullins and he has the favourites in three of the four championship contests over the four days. State Man can get him off to the perfect start with victory in the first.
Since falling on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown in December 2021, the seven-year-old has only been beaten once in 11 starts and that was by the mighty Constitution Hill in last year's Champion Hurdle. He won the County Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival but has since run only in Grade One company, winning eight of nine at the top level including back-to-back wins in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and similar doubles in the Morgiana Hurdle and Matheson Hurdle.
It would have been a good matchup taking on Constitution Hill again but without him this slick, quick hurdler can bring up a ninth Grade One victory.
Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin March 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin March 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
FRUSTRATED
ROONEY SAW HIS SIDE TAKE THE LEAD ON THREE OCCASIONS BUT THEY ENDED UP DRAWING 3-3
Argyle lead three times but have to settle for a point
PLYMOUTH Argyle will be bottom of the Championship at Christmas after drawing 3-3 with Middlesbrough at Home Park for the second consecutive season.
Parkway's Beardmore hits Gloucester City for six
ON the Winter Solstice, Parkway gifted the Yellow faithful an early Christmas present by hitting thirdplace Gloucester City for six. While Mitch Beardmore will steal the headlines for his six goals, it was a complete team performance that pleased the 265 in attendance.
Tavistock's relegation worries take a turn for the worse
TAVISTOCK’S relegation worries in Western Counties West took a turn for the worse after a 29-0 defeat by Bideford in the basement battle on the KGV ground.
Albion finish the year in style
THE stage was set for a rugby showdown under the soft drizzle at Brickfields, with the festive season setting a perfect backdrop for what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
Lib Dems open to calling Waspi vote
THE Liberal Democrats could force a Commons vote on compensation for the Waspi women, the party's deputy leader indicated.
Car makers poised to hit EV targets
THE UK car industry is on course to meet the electric Government's vehicle sales requirement this year despite some manufacturers complaining it is too tough, according to new analysis.
Authorities were warned
GERMAN authorities received warnings last year about the suspect in Friday’s car attack at a Christmas market which killed five people, officials have said.
Give your pet a Merry Xmas
CHRISTMAS CAN BE A TOUGH TIME FOR DOGS AND CATS
Last call for shoeboxes as 400 donated for Ukraine
INCREDIBLE RESPONSE BY GENEROUS RESIDENTS
