CHELTENHAM 15:30

All 7 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 0.4s Closing Sectional: (4.1f): 58.2s (103.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 99.2%

Not since the days of Istabraq has the Champion Hurdle revolved around one horse to the extent that this season's did, Constitution Hill established after just 5 races as potentially the greatest hurdler of all time, a most impressive winner of both the Grade 1 2m hurdles run in Britain earlier in the campaign; Epatante and Honeysuckle, Champion Hurdle winners in the last 3 seasons, tackled the Mares' Hurdle this time, which left just 6 rivals for Constitution Hill, the smallest field since 1974, a smaller one not seen since 1941, Constitution Hill at 11/4-on the shortest-priced winner in the history of the race, Sir Ken having been sent off at 5/2-on when gaining his second win in 1953; the margin of victory was the third widest this century, only the ill-fated Espoir d'Allen and Rooster Booster having scored by further, the pace, which was no more than fair until the fifth, and his rider's desire to do as little as was required the only things preventing Constitution Hill from winning by quite a bit further, his performance still one of the very best in the race's long history, his slick jumping, cruising speed and turn of foot making him just about the perfect hurdler.

CONSTITUTION HILL had established himself as potentially the best hurdler of all time when winning the Supreme by 22 lengths in 2021/22, and although he hasn't needed to better that performance in winning 3 Grade 1s in open company this season, he surely will prove such when the opportunity demands it; his margin of victory here was the first time he's failed to win by double figures, though he clearly could have won by quite a lot further had his rider asked him any sort of question; close up, jumped impeccably, travelled strongly, upsides briefly third, led on bridle 3 out, quickened clear entering straight, well clear run-in, most impressive; he may go to Aintree, with the option of going up in trip for the Aintree Hurdle (will stay 2½m), the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown the other obvious opportunity for the rest of this season.

STATE MAN (FR) like the winner had won 4 successive Grade 1 races, landing all 3 open races at 2m in Ireland this season, his form good enough to win an ordinary Champion Hurdle, but not nearly good enough to allow him to land a glove on a truly outstanding horse, his rider soon accepting things once the winner had quickened away from him; held up, jumped fluently, travelled well, crept closer fourth, smooth headway 2 out, left behind by winner entering straight, not unduly punished once beaten; in the likely absence of the winner, he'll be the one to beat at Punchestown.

ZANAHIYR (IRE) ran up to his best, avoiding mistakes for once, and repeated his third placing in this race last season (eventually disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance), ridden to pick up the pieces and perhaps a little flattered to finish ahead of Vauban; in rear, effort before 2 out, kept on approaching last, took third run-in.

VAUBAN (FR) successful in the Triumph Hurdle last season, had improved in open company this time around but he couldn't quite run so well here, perhaps the effort of giving chase to the winner telling late on; in touch, not fluent fourth, tracked pace 2 out, shaken up home turn, outpaced soon after, lost third run-in.

NOT SO SLEEPY was well held, soon left behind when the pace increased; led until first, settled in touch after, lost place 3 out.

I LIKE TO MOVE IT had potential place claims on his best form this season but was well held up in grade, a return to front running not paying dividends; took keen hold, led from first, shaken up before 3 out, headed soon after, weakened home turn.

JASON THE MILITANT (IRE) was out of his depth; held up, ridden when blundered 3 out, left behind soon after, tailed off.