Nicky Henderson is a trainer beyond compare. Having been crowned British jump racing champion an incredible six times, he has a stable filled with stars. His horses are among the finest in the world, his success second to none. What he knows is how to bring about a winner.
So, it’s no surprise Henderson has several impressive horses running at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. We look at some of the most promising talents to emerge from his yard and weigh up how we expect them to fare.
Chantry House
Cheltenham is always an exciting time for racegoers. We all want to know which are the best Champion Hurdle tips and what horses are the ones to keep an eye on. Well, wonder no more, because Chantry House is at the top of that list.
Excitingly, the eight-year-old is entered in the Boodles Gold Cup, with odds of 16/1 according to Betfair’s Cheltenham 2022 betting. That makes him the seventh favourite to win, but his chances aren’t as slim as they seem; he’s simply up against stiff competition.
Chantry House certainly impressed last season, with consecutive Grade One victories at Cheltenham and Aintree. While he didn’t do as well in the King George on Boxing Day, he followed this up with a great run in the Cotswold Chase.
Given his history of performing at this track, his ability as a stayer, and his undoubted class, we reckon he may well surprise us by finishing near – if not at – the front when the wire goes down.
Champ
Champ is a crowd favourite – and for good reason. The delightful 10-year-old has faced some challenges of late, but it’s hoped he’ll show a return to form when he races in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle this March.
Despite having to undergo back surgery after his last outing at Cheltenham, he’s since put in solid runs, and there’s no denying his innate ability. Having some truly magnificent Grade One wins under his belt, he’s long shown a penchant for performing against the odds.
Following his magnificent victory in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can deliver in his next major contest.
Constitution Hil
Now for the final member of our top three: Constitution Hill. At the tender age of five, this impressive youngster looks set to dominate in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He showed a huge amount of talent on his debut and has yet to put in a poor show.
What he lacks is experience, but that’s not to say this will hinder him. Already, he performs with a real sense of professionalism, making his tremendous runs look effortless. As a seeming superstar in the making, we look forward to seeing what he can deliver on race day.
Certainly, if he does win, there could be tears from owner Michael Buckley. We can’t even say we’d blame him.
Tell us, who’s your money on when it comes to this ultimate contest of champions?
