Constitution Hill is imperious in victory on day one of Grand National meeting

Constitution Hill, widely regarded as one of the greatest hurdlers of all-time, remained unbeaten with an imperious display when stepped up in distance for the Aintree Hurdle on day one of the Grand National meeting.

The red-hot 2-15 favourite led all the way, jumped impeccably and didn’t give the punter who staked £280,000 on him at 1-10 with Star Sports bookmakers a moment’s worry.

Winning rider Nico de Boinville said, in response to a question about how easy it all looked, said: “That was the aim – I didn’t go very quick [from the front] and it turned into a sprint. He was so intelligent with his jumping.”

The Champion Hurdle winner is now expected to be schooled over fences before trainer Nicky Henderson decides if the horse switches codes. “We’ve got to give it a go anyway,” said De Boinville.

Henderson stated: “His versatility is incredible. We knew we had to make it and we made it simple.”

Owner Michael Buckley said he wanted to enjoy the moment before discussions with the trainer and jockey about whether his horse goes chasing.

Constitution Hill remains unchanged with Betfair at 7-2 for the Arkle Trophy over fences at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 and 6-4 for a repeat victory in the Champion Hurdle.

Henderson was completing a double on the day as the King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup could be among Shishkin’s targets next season after the top-class chaser stayed on grimly to overhaul the longtime leader Ahoy Senor to secure the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.

Earlier, hot favourite Zenta edged out the brave Bo Zenith in a thrilling climax to the Jewson Juvenile Hurdle. Winning trainer Willie Mullins was not on course, but said: “Two very good horses fought it out and it was just on the nod so she was very brave to come back and get back up. She looks a real prospect for the future, but I doubt she’ll go to Punchestown.”

Zenta is 12-1 from 16-1 for the Mares Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next season.

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Banbridge, who travelled to the Cheltenham Festival from Joseph O’Brien’s stable in Ireland, to run there but was taken out because of unsuitable ground, made up for that with victory in the opening Manifesto Novice Chase.

O’Brien reported: “We declared on Saturday [here] just in case the rain came and I wanted to walk the track. He won’t run.

“We’ll look at Punchestown. There’s no race over two-and-a-half miles but while he could stay further in time, I’d imagine it might be back at two miles there because he’s not slow. Two would be more likely but I don’t know yet.”