Old Park Star Triumphs at Cheltenham as Nico de Boinville Leads Stunning British Sweep
A powerful start to the Cheltenham Festival has just unfolded and it delivered exactly the kind of drama racing fans wait all year to see. In the opening race of the 2026 festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the spotlight fell squarely on Old Park Star and jockey Nico de Boinville, who powered up the famous Cheltenham hill to claim a hard-fought victory and ignite the week’s biggest stage in jump racing.
The race began at a relentless pace. Early on, Sober Glory set the tempo and stretched the field, while the heavily backed favorite Old Park Star stayed within striking distance. Nico de Boinville kept his mount calm and balanced, allowing the race to unfold rather than forcing the issue too early. That patience proved crucial.
As the runners turned toward the final climb, the contest tightened dramatically. Mydaddypaddy emerged as a serious challenger, surging forward and briefly threatening to take control. For a moment, it looked like the favorite might be under real pressure. But Old Park Star responded with determination. With the Cheltenham crowd roaring in the background, De Boinville asked for one more push and the young hurdler delivered.
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Stride by stride, Old Park Star dug deep and pulled clear in the closing moments, crossing the line about a length and a half ahead of Sober Glory, with Mydaddypaddy narrowly taking third. The result completed a remarkable moment for British racing, with horses trained in Britain filling the top four positions in the race.
The win also marks another milestone for legendary trainer Nicky Henderson, who now adds yet another Supreme Novices’ Hurdle victory to his already remarkable Cheltenham record. For Henderson, the race has long been a launching pad for future champions and many are already asking whether Old Park Star could follow the path of past stars who began their journey right here before moving on to even bigger targets.
For Nico de Boinville, the ride was a masterclass in timing and control. He judged the pace perfectly, saved energy when it mattered most and produced the winning surge at exactly the right moment. It is the kind of performance that reminds racing fans why Cheltenham’s opening race is often one of the most electric moments in the entire festival.
And perhaps most importantly, this victory signals the arrival of a new name to watch in the jumping world. Old Park Star may still be young and developing, but the strength, composure and stamina shown on this stage suggest a very big future could be ahead.
Stay with us for continuing coverage from Cheltenham, as the festival unfolds and more champions rise on racing’s biggest stage.
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