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State Man justified short-term favoritism by winning the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Ridden by Paul Townend, the Willie Mullins-trained chestnut started as the 2-5 market leader in the absence of defending champion Constitution Hill, who had been left without such a convincing winner 12 months ago.
The seven-year-old enjoyed a smooth pace during the race on the inside flank and when he kicked towards goal only Gordon Elliott’s Irish Point could follow him, but it was State Man who took the lead to go one step better than last year . for a length and a quarter.
Luccia ran a good race in third for Constitution Hill trainer Nicky Henderson.
Mullins said: “I was surprised by the way Paul rode him, I thought he would be much further forward, I didn’t dream he would only be fifth or sixth jumping second to last.” But he just rode it with supreme confidence.
State Man and Paul Townend took victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Tuesday
Townend raised his arms high in celebration after victory at the Cheltenham Festival.
“I thought he would make more use of his stamina, but Paul seemed to ride him for speed today and clearly felt there was enough on the ground to take him off the horses in front of him.
“But when jockeys ride with confidence, they can do things like that and I think that’s how he’s been riding all season.” He is a fantastic jockey.
Asked if Cheltenham really suited his charge and whether Constitution Hill would have been a strong challenger, Mullins added: “He’s probably a better horse at Leopardstown, but he’s a Champion Hurdle winner.” You have to show up to win a Champion Hurdle; we present”.