Iconic winners of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
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The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the traditional curtain-raiser for the Cheltenham Festival, a race that sets the tone for the four-day extravaganza.
Over the years, it has unearthed future stars of the National Hunt scene, with past winners often progressing to become household names in the sport.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2025 will be run in the name of Michael O’Sullivan, paying tribute to the late jockey who guided Marine Nationale to victory in 2023.
Here, we look back at some of the most iconic Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winners in recent history—horses that went on to dominate the sport and cement their legacies.
Douvan (2015)
Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, Douvan arrived at Cheltenham with a lofty reputation. He justified every bit of the hype, producing a flawless display to win with ease.
That victory marked the start of an outstanding career, as he developed into one of the most exciting two-mile chasers of his generation.
Douvan racked up multiple Grade 1 victories, including in the Arkle Chase back at Cheltenham, before injury curtailed his brilliance.
Vautour (2014)
Few Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winners have been as breathtaking as Vautour. Trained by Mullins and again partnered by Walsh, he put in a devastating front-running performance, storming home by six lengths.
His extravagant jumping and relentless galloping left a lasting impression. Vautour would later prove his versatility by winning the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase and the Ryanair Chase, before his tragic passing cut short a career destined for greatness.
Altior (2016)
A supreme talent trained by Nicky Henderson, Altior extended his unbeaten run under rules with a commanding display in the 2016 renewal.
Under Nico de Boinville, he surged up the hill to defeat Min, launching what would become an extraordinary career.
Altior transitioned into one of the greatest two-mile chasers in history, winning back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chases and setting a record-breaking 19-race unbeaten streak over obstacles.
Shishkin (2020)
Another superstar from the Henderson stable, Shishkin overcame early trouble to power home in the 2020 Supreme.
It was a sign of his raw ability and fighting spirit, qualities that would later see him claim major honours over fences.
Shishkin followed in Altior’s footsteps by winning the Arkle Chase— then showcasing his versatility with victories over further distances, including the Ascot Chase.
Shishkin’s career was also devastatingly cut short following a tragic accident at Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard.
Constitution Hill (2022)
Arguably the most spectacular Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner of all time, Constitution Hill obliterated the field by 22 lengths in 2022.
Also trained by Henderson and ridden by de Boinville, he recorded a course record time in a jaw-dropping display that left stablemate Jonbon in his wake.
He has since established himself as a once-in-a-generation talent, winning the Champion Hurdle with equal ease and remaining unbeaten in open company.
This year, Kopek Des Bordes is the favourite in the racing odds—hoping to give Mullins a record-extending eighth win in the Supreme. Stablemate Salvator Mundi, Gordon Elliott’s Romeo Coolio and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Workahead could be his biggest threats.