2 minutes As Mullins Eyes Cheltenham, the Stage is Set for an Epic Duel with Constitution Hill
State Man, Ireland's champ at hurdling, breezed through to nab the win at the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown without much fuss last Sunday. Willie Mullins, the man with the magic touch, trains him for the duo, Joe and Marie Donnelly. He was just too good for Bob Olinger, who had to settle for second, with Impaire Et Passe taking third. It's the second time in a row State Man clinched this race, making it his eighth Grade 1 win. Mullins, on a roll, swept all eight Grade 1 races over two days at Leopardstown.
But, even with all the wins under Mullins' belt, the upcoming Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March isn't a sure shot. State Man is set to clash with Constitution Hill, dubbed the ultimate hurdler and last year's champ at Cheltenham. Betfair's betting odds are 7-2 for State Man and 1-3 for Constitution Hill.
Paul Townend, who rode State Man, kept close to his lead mate Impaire Et Passe before smoothly taking the lead and charging ahead to a convincing win by five-and-a-half lengths, all while being the crowd's favorite. Skipping the last hurdle didn't make a difference. This win adds to State Man's impressive record, now with ten wins out of 13 starts, including the County Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival.
Paul Townend shared, "I'm not saying I would have beaten Constitution Hill, but I didn't get the feel off him in the race I was expecting, so hopefully he can go and give Constitution Hill a race." He couldn't catch up to Constitution Hill last year but still finds State Man "so uncomplicated and professional." He appreciates State Man's chill attitude and how he doesn't fuss about leading or following, making him a dream to ride. "I loved him last year and love him even more this year because he keeps winning and has proven his superiority over the horses here. It's just a shame Constitution Hill is in the way," Townend added, noting his strong belief in State Man's abilities to challenge Constitution Hill based on last year's effort.
Cheltenham Festival Odds
Constitution Hill - 1/3
State Man - 3/1