Cheltenham: Old Park Star vs Mighty Park – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Preview & Expert Picks | Racing Post

The Cheltenham Festival is fast approaching, and anticipation is building for the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026. All eyes are on Old Park Star, trained by Nicky Henderson, as the six-year-old gelding currently heads the market and is poised to give Great Britain a strong start to the prestigious racing event. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, a Grade 1 National Hunt race, consistently sets the tone for the entire festival, and this year’s edition promises a thrilling contest between several promising young horses.

Henderson, a highly respected figure in the National Hunt racing world, has a remarkable record in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, having previously trained winners such as Altior (2016), Shishkin (2020), and Constitution Hill (2022). As the Racing Post details, this history adds significant pressure and expectation surrounding Old Park Star’s performance. The gelding’s recent form has been particularly impressive, leading many to believe he has the potential to join the ranks of Henderson’s previous Supreme champions.

Old Park Star’s Impressive Ascent

Old Park Star’s journey to the forefront of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contenders began after a change of stables. Previously trained by Paul Nicholls, the horse was moved to Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn yard, and the transition appears to have unlocked a new level of performance. Since joining Henderson, Old Park Star has secured victories in all three of his hurdle starts, demonstrating consistent improvement and a clear aptitude for the discipline. His most dominant performance came in the Grade 2 Rossington Main at Haydock, where he triumphed by an impressive 18 lengths. According to reports, Henderson was particularly struck by the ease with which Old Park Star pulled away from his rivals in that race, suggesting there is still further potential to be realized.

Henderson himself has expressed cautious optimism, noting that Old Park Star has been progressing well in preparation for the festival. He believes the horse is capable of further improvement and is ready for the challenge ahead. “He’s had a straightforward preparation, he’s worked and schooled well, and we’re ready to face the battle,” Henderson stated, as reported by the Racing Post. The trainer too drew comparisons to his previous Supreme winners, suggesting Old Park Star’s style of running is reminiscent of Shishkin, known for his powerful jumping and relentless gallop.

A Competitive Field: Mighty Park and Beyond

While Old Park Star is the clear favorite, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is expected to be a highly competitive race. A significant challenger is Mighty Park, trained by the formidable Willie Mullins, a name synonymous with success at the Cheltenham Festival. Mullins has a long and distinguished record at the meeting, and his presence adds another layer of intrigue to the contest. The debate between the merits of Old Park Star and Mighty Park has grow a central talking point among racing enthusiasts and experts.

Experts are divided on which horse will prevail. Sam Boswell, speaking on a recent racing preview, acknowledged the difficulty in choosing between the two, noting the momentum behind Mighty Park. However, Declan Rix countered that Mighty Park’s size and relative inexperience on the Cheltenham course might give Old Park Star an advantage. Rix highlighted Henderson’s exceptional record in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle as a key factor in his assessment. Kate Tracey, also contributing to the discussion, emphasized Old Park Star’s impressive victory in the Rossington Main, citing the figures as “top drawer” and indicative of his potential.

The Mullins Factor

Willie Mullins’s training prowess is undeniable. He has consistently produced top-class novice hurdlers, and Mighty Park represents a strong contender in this year’s race. Mullins’s ability to prepare horses for the unique challenges of the Cheltenham course is well-documented, and he will undoubtedly have a detailed strategy in place for Mighty Park. The fact that Mighty Park performed well in his first start under rules is seen as a positive sign, suggesting he possesses the necessary temperament and ability to handle the pressure of a major festival race.

Course Conditions and Tactical Considerations

The Cheltenham racecourse itself presents unique challenges for both horses and jockeys. The undulating terrain and demanding fences require stamina, agility, and precise jumping technique. The prevailing ground conditions on the day of the race will also play a crucial role. Soft ground tends to favor horses with stamina and a strong galloping style, while firmer ground may suit those with more speed and agility.

Tactically, the race is likely to be a fast-paced affair. Old Park Star has shown a willingness to develop the running, but Henderson has indicated that the horse doesn’t necessarily need to lead. This flexibility could be advantageous, allowing the jockey to assess the pace of the race and position Old Park Star accordingly. Mighty Park’s running style is less well-defined, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. The ability of each horse to adapt to the changing dynamics of the race will be a key factor in determining the outcome.

Henderson’s Legacy and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Nicky Henderson’s success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a testament to his skill as a trainer and his ability to identify and nurture talented young horses. His previous winners – Altior, Shishkin, and Constitution Hill – have all gone on to achieve great things, establishing themselves as stars of the National Hunt racing world. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle often serves as a launching pad for future champions, and Old Park Star has the potential to follow in their footsteps.

The pressure on Henderson to maintain his winning streak in the race is considerable, but he appears to be relishing the challenge. He has assembled a strong team around Old Park Star, and the horse has been meticulously prepared for the festival. Henderson’s calm and measured approach to training is well-known, and he is unlikely to be fazed by the intense scrutiny that will accompany the race.

The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, at 1:20 PM GMT. The race is expected to attract a large crowd to Cheltenham Racecourse, as well as a significant television audience worldwide. The outcome of the race will undoubtedly set the tone for the entire festival, and the winner will be crowned as the champion novice hurdler of the year.

As the Cheltenham Festival draws nearer, all eyes will be on Old Park Star and Mighty Park as they prepare for their clash in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best young talent in National Hunt racing. The anticipation is palpable, and the stage is set for a memorable encounter.

The next key date for racing fans will be the declarations for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which will confirm the final field of runners. Further updates and analysis will be available on leading racing websites and television channels in the days leading up to the festival. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions in the comments below.