Henry De Bromhead says he’s delighted after Slade Steel’s win in the opening race of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
Slade Steel rallied late on to take the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday with Rachael Blackmore guiding him to glory.
The six-year-old fought off Willie Mullins pair Tullyhill and Mystical Power to record the victory and get off to the perfect start at the famous festival.
“We’re delighted, it was brilliant,” De Bromhead told ITV Racing. “Rachael gave him a super ride and fair play to the team, they said that Ballyburn had beaten us twice and we needed to improve and thats what we’ve done and it’s all worked out for us.”
The trainer admitted he’s not sure where the winner will head next, with potential of heading on the Champion Hurdle next March.
“Let’s enjoy today first,” he said. “I would say that I don’t even want to go near an answer, we’ll see and enjoy today, it’s very exciting.”
De Bromhead said that he thought the heavy ground would have an adverse effect on Slade Steel’s chances, but he was proven wrong as his horse galloped to glory.
After getting off to a perfect start, the trainer will be hopeful that he has some more chances for the rest of the week.
Quilixios runs for the yard in the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Novices’ Chase at 2.10 PM, while Eklat De Rire and Lantry Lady, Tellmesomethinggirl, Hispanic Moon and Nara are also in action later.
