Cheltenham Festival Recap: State Man Secures Fifth Unibet Champion Hurdle Title for Mullins
Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his fifth Unibet Champion Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, March 12th, as State Man triumphed, improving on his performance from the previous year.
🟡⚫️ State Man – all class in the Champion Hurdle
🏇 14 runs
🥇 11 wins
🏆 G1 Champion Hurdle
🏆🏆 G1 Irish Champion Hurdle
🏆🏆 G1 Matheson Hurdle
🏆🏆 G1 Morgiana Hurdle
👑 Nine G1 victories
✅ Dual #CheltenhamFestival hero pic.twitter.com/JZreOKEaPh— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024
Mullins expressed admiration for jockey Paul Townend’s confident ride aboard State Man, highlighting his surprise at Townend’s strategic positioning in the race. Despite initial expectations of a more forward position, Townend’s supreme confidence in the horse led him to ride for speed, ultimately securing a brilliant victory. Mullins commended Townend’s exceptional skills and praised his partnership with State Man.
🗣️ "On that ground, you don't want to alight a horse too early."
Substance over style in State Man's Champion Hurdle success. Willie Mullins assesses the horse's ninth G1 triumph 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/2H11xK8OXd
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024
Reflecting on State Man’s performance, Mullins emphasized the horse’s solid and dependable nature, attributing his success to his unwavering consistency. Despite challenging ground conditions, State Man’s stamina proved invaluable, showcasing his resilience and toughness throughout the race. Mullins ruled out Aintree as the next target for State Man, opting instead for the familiar terrain of Punchestown.
Paul Townend, enjoying his first Champion Hurdle win, lauded State Man’s simplicity and praised the horse’s deserving victory. Townend expressed personal significance in winning the Champion Hurdle, highlighting its importance in his racing career and reminiscing about his association with past champions.
In the 3:30 pm Unibet Champion Hurdle, State Man emerged victorious as the 2-5 favorite, followed by Irish Point and Luccia. Mullins, Townend, and the entire team celebrated State Man’s remarkable achievement, solidifying their status as formidable contenders in the racing world.
