Andrew Dietz of the Racing Post spoke to owner Gordon Hall who has a very exciting Cheltenham Festival prospect to go to war with in the shape of Old Park Star and the Seven Barrows-trained runner is currently all the rage for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Old Park Star had his first three runs for Paul Nicholls and although those three runs in bumpers were not devoid of promise, one feels that more was expected of the horse and he was then, for reasons belonging to the owner himself, switched across to Nicky Henderson.
Since then and his switch to hurdling, he has looked an absolute beast of a horse, winning his first three hurdle starts in the manner of a very classy horse. Old Park Star is now the clear favourite for the Supreme after his scintillating 18-length victory on Saturday in the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle under Nico de Boinville.
Owner Gordon Hall stated: “We were expecting him to win but not by that margin. He’s surprised us every time he’s run, but it’s a good surprise. You don’t know what’s coming from Ireland, but if I’d been watching that you’d be worried because nothing has got close to him.
“When Nico got off him at Cheltenham, he said he went up the hill by himself and we thought the flatter track at Haydock might be a bit tight. He also thinks if something comes to challenge him, he will push himself without being asked, which is a good thing to have in your armoury.
Could Old Park Star be the next superstar in waiting? Only time will tell but the vibes are very strong at present!
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