Jockey Nico de Boinville admitted to being taken aback by the sheer brilliance of Old Park Star, who produced a breathtaking performance to win by a massive 18 lengths at Haydock Park on Saturday. The victory immediately catapulted the Nicky Henderson-trained novice hurdler to the head of the betting for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival's opening day showpiece.
A Dazzling Display Defies Expectations
Sent off as the 4-5 favourite for the Grade Two Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle, Old Park Star faced a stern challenge from several talented rivals. De Boinville had harboured concerns about the suitability of the Merseyside track for his mount, but those fears were spectacularly quashed. The horse displayed a stunning turn of foot to scoot clear of the field, decisively beating last-time-out Listed scorer Hurricane Pat.
The winning margin of 18 lengths was a clear statement of intent. Bookmakers reacted instantly, slashing his odds for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival to as short as 3-1, making him the clear ante-post favourite. The performance served as a perfect tonic for De Boinville, who was returning to action after a heavy fall at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
De Boinville's Verdict and Festival Plans
"He was so professional," said a delighted De Boinville after presenting trainer Nicky Henderson with a seventh victory in the race. "If anything was going to beat us today it was going to be the track. That's why I was surprised his turn of foot was so devastating. I thought Hurricane Pat was going to come and get me, but I couldn't have asked for anything more."
De Boinville revealed the tactical thinking behind the ride, emphasising the preparation for the Festival in six weeks' time. "I wanted to give him a race. The plan was to load it up as much as we could and see what he had. He has such a massive future ahead of him," the jockey added.
Experts Hail a 'Serious' Supreme Contender
Racing pundits were quick to highlight the quality of the performance. Racing TV's Angus McNae pointed to the telling sectional times, noting how Old Park Star was able to sustain his high speed. "It's scary if there is a bit of room for improvement," McNae stated, referencing the 22-length defeat of the previously progressive Japetus, who finished fourth.
Analyst Dan Barber was even more emphatic in his praise. "It's a serious performance," Barber said. "He has beaten a horse, Soldier Reeves, with a rating of 130 by 18 lengths over under two miles on ground that isn't testing. He has probably run to a rating that would nearly win you a Supreme most years. He is the one who has definitely laid a marker in the entire novice division."
The win at Haydock marks Old Park Star as the horse to beat as the road to the 2026 Cheltenham Festival begins to heat up, with all eyes now on his final preparations before the March showpiece.
