Constitution Hill demolishes rivals to take Champion Hurdle glory 

Constitution Hill was sent off the 4-11 favourite and fairly strolled to victory over State Man.

CLASS APART: Jockey Nico de Boinville onboard Constitution Hill celebrates winning. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Constitution Hill lit up day one of the Cheltenham Festival as he took the Unibet Champion Hurdle crown in sublime style.

This race had been seen as the six-year-old's date with destiny ever since romping to victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago - and Nicky Henderson's charge did not disappoint, much to the delight of a packed Prestbury Park crowd.