Constitution Hill crowned best hurdler in Britain and Ireland with mark of 170

Constitution Hill was named the highest-rated hurdler in the Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification on Thursday having been assessed with a mark of 170, 5lb higher than Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle.

The five-year-old landed the Supreme Novices' Hurdle by 22 lengths at the Cheltenham Festival on just his third start but was ruled out of a clash with Honeysuckle in last month's Paddy Power Champion Hurdle. They could finally meet in the Unibet Champion Hurdle next March.

His rating was the highest awarded to a novice hurdler since the classifications were introduced after the 1999-2000 season, eclipsing the 168 awarded to Iris's Gift, who was second in the 2003 Stayers' Hurdle behind Baracouda. It was also the highest given to a two-mile hurdler since 2019 Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D'Allen.

Andrew Mealor, BHA hurdles team leader, said: "The standout performance over hurdles in the last season was undoubtedly Constitution Hill's top-class effort in the Supreme at Cheltenham.

"Constitution Hill looks to have the world at his feet as he heads into open company next season, although star mare Honeysuckle should not be forgotten of course, having yet again done all that was asked of her in another unbeaten campaign, including a second success in the Champion Hurdle.

"As things stand, Honeysuckle's figure of 165 plus her 7lb mares' allowance gives her the edge on ratings, although that does not factor in the latter's scope for improvement after just three starts. A clash between the two should be one to savour next March."

The pair were followed in the rankings by Flooring Porter, who remained unchanged with a mark of 164 after his second successive victory in the Stayers' Hurdle, and Klassical Dream, who was rated just 1lb lower.

A Plus Tard storms to victory in the 2022 Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

A Plus Tard named top chaser with rating of 180

A Plus Tard rose three places from joint-fourth last year to first in the chase division after being assessed with a mark of 180, the highest rating awarded to a three-mile chaser over fences since 2013 Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth.

He was tied with Clan Des Obeaux last year on a mark of 172 after finishing second in the Gold Cup behind Minella Indo but was raised 8lb after going one better for Henry de Bromhead in March.

The eight-year-old was ranked 3lb ahead of Allaho, who also runs in the colours of Cheveley Park and landed the Ryanair Chase by 14 lengths. He was followed closely by Champion Chase winner Energumene and Shishkin, the highest-rated British-trained runner, on a mark of 176.

Chacun Pour Soi, who led the way with a rating of 176 last season, won the Grade 1 Dublin Chase for Willie Mullins but was dropped 3lb. Clan Des Obeaux and Galopin Des Champs were rated 172, making the latter the highest-rated novice chaser in Britain and Ireland.

L'Homme Presse, who won the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the festival by three and a half lengths, was the highest-rated British-trained novice chaser and the highest-rated novice over three miles.

Andrew Shaw, senior IHRB jumps handicapper, said: "A Plus Tard's performance in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup was one of the finest in the race in recent years. His winning margin of 15 lengths was the biggest since that of Master Oats 27 years ago. He posted a figure of 180, the highest for a Gold Cup winner since Bobs Worth.

"Rarely do you see a horse show the kind of acceleration he showed coming up the hill at Cheltenham. It was a stunning performance, and he is fully deserving of top spot in the three?mile category."

Now read these . . .

'He tried to stop for a pint in the stand!' - how Scrafton spurned Kelso success

Homeless Songs clear on ratings in ultra-impressive Irish 1,000 Guineas win

'We bet the hell out of it' - the ups and downs of big punter Terry Ramsden

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets