Constitution Hill, Honeysuckle get famous wins at Cheltenham
Runners and riders during the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, England, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (Tim Goode/PA via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Tim Goode]
CHELTENHAM, England (AP) — The Cheltenham Festival got off to a breathtaking start as Constitution Hill underlined his growing status as one of the best ever horses over hurdles and Honeysuckle ended her brilliant career with an emotional win. Six-year-old Constitution Hill justified his odds as the 4-11 favorite for the Champion Hurdle by finishing nine lengths clear to become the shortest-priced winner of the race. He has won all six of his races and by an aggregate of 86 lengths. Then 9-year-old Honeysuckle showed all the qualities that have made her one of the most loved and admired mares of the modern era by winning the Mares’ Hurdle in her swan song.
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Gulls fly as horses exercise on the gallops ahead of day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, England, Tuesday March 16, 2023. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/David Davies
Horses trained by Gordon Elliott on the gallops ahead of day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, England, Tuesday March 16, 2023. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/David Davies
Jockey Nico de Boinville celebrates after winning the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy onboard Constitution Hill on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, England, Tuesday March 14, 2023. (Tim Goode/PA via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Tim Goode