Cheltenham Day One: State Man to take advantage of Constitution Hill's absence

Jockey Paul Townend celebrates on State Man, with groom Rachel Robbins, after winning the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Day one of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and while the Grade One Unibet Champion Hurdle is much the lesser for the absence of Constitution Hill, that won’t be of much concern to State Man, who ought to have little more than a stroll in the park.

One of the most consistent hurdlers of recent seasons, his sole defeat in completed starts since joining Willie Mullins came when runner-up to Constitution Hill in this race last year and even if he was a little below his best that day, a repeat should be more than enough this time. He jumps, travels, stays and can race on or off the pace, and it will be a huge shock if he fails to take full advantage of Constitution Hill’s absence. Irish Point is something of an unknown quantity and may be good enough to chase him home.