THE Irish suffered a comprehensive defeat in the opening racing of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, as Old Park Star led home a 1-2-3-4 for the home team in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s charge was never headed in the betting following three comprehensive victories on all his starts over hurdles, with owners Gordon and Su Hall moving the six-year-old to Henderson following three placed efforts in bumpers for Paul Nicholls.


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