The 9/4 joint favourite Constitution Hill got punters of to a blistering start when he demolished a competitive field by 22 lengths in the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival.
Fellow favourite Dysart Dynamo fell when leading three out, although it is doubtful he could have competed with the impressive Nicky Henderson-trained winner. By two out, Constitution Hill had the race in his grip and stormed clear of the rest to win easily with stablemate Jonbon running on in second and Kilcruit - who made some scruffy leaps on the far side - staying on too late to be competitive.
After a false start, Dysart Dynamo led at a ferocious pace despite making some scruffy jumps in front of the stands with Jonbon and Constitution Hill stalking him in behind, being slightly handier than expected.
Well fancied Irish runner Mighty Potter, sat in midfield, made a terrible blunder at the top of the hill and was pulled up before three out.
At that point, the Henderson duo were applying pressure on Dysart Dynamo and he dived at three out taking a tumbling fall. The horse and rider Paul Townend were both returned unharmed.
Shallwehaveonemore also came down at the last hurdle with green screens being placed around the stricken runner with vets and medical team in attendance.
Speaking after the race winning trainer Nicky Henderson said of his winner, "He can travel so easily at that pace and still pick up. To find those gears at the end is extraordinary."
Delighted owner Michael Buckley, who hasn't always enjoyed the best of luck here, called winning trainer Nicky Henderson "A genius."
