Old Park Star makes Supreme statement at Haydock

Old Park Star shot to the head of the betting for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with a devastating display at Haydock.

The sponsors of the Festival opener cut Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old to 11-4 from 7-1 after he dealt with some smart rivals with ease in the Grade Two Rossington Main.

Henderson, who has won this race with Jonbon and Jeriko Du Reponet recently, looks to have another smart youngster on his hands in the mould of Altior and Shishkin, and Old Park Star certainly has the size and scope about him to go jumping fences.

Nico de Boinville, riding his first winner since his return from injury, bounced into an early lead and while Hurricane Pat, a smart horse in his own right, tried to keep tabs, it was clear early in the straight he was struggling.

The 4-5 favourite coasted close home, but still won by 18 lengths.

“He was so professional. If anything was going to beat him it was going to be the track today and that is why his turn of foot was so devastating really,” said De Boinville.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more, I’m delighted with the horse and he’s got such a massive future ahead of him.

“He’s so straightforward, he knows exactly where his feet are but I wanted to give him a race at the same time as it’s six weeks to the Festival.

“It was the plan to load it up as much as we could and then see what we had, but he stays so well. I was worried about the track, but I’ve no worries now.”

He added: “Not many win like that, so I’m delighted, and ground doesn’t seem to bother him. I really like this horse.”

Henderson was at Ascot, from where he said: “He was very good. It was great. He jumped the first two then he just rolled on.

“I know Gary’s (and Josh Moore) horse Hurricane Pat came and had a look at him at the last on the far side, but he only got a look at him, he didn’t see much more of him.

“You would assume he is a two-miler and if he can do that around Haydock Park why go any further, so therefore we know where we are going.

“There was no point after Cheltenham (of not going front the front) when you are coming back to a sharp track like Haydock Park. That is what I liked about today, as you have got to have pace to do that and he had them well strung out.

“That was what was impressive that nothing could get anywhere near him. He gets in a lovely rhythm with his jumping.

“He has a funny style of jumping as he rolls his back and his back-end comes over it and he is away every time. You couldn’t fault him really. I was surprised and impressed at Cheltenham and I’m relieved and impressed today.

“He hasn’t just gone away and won it, he has moved up a peg again. At this stage of it you would have to say (that he is as good as my other Supreme horses). I think he has beaten decent horses today as at Cheltenham you could say what was in there.

“On paper before Cheltenham looked a respectable race, but this had depth to it, and they didn’t get anywhere near him.”