Willie Mullins takes dig at Nicky Henderson with cheeky ITV Racing quip after winning Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham

WILLIE MULLINS aimed a cheeky dig at rival trainer Nicky Henderson following State Man’s Champion Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham.

Mullins watched jockey Paul Townend claim a second win on the opening day of the festival atop the pre-race favourite.

Willie Mullins aimed a pointed comment at Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill

Henderson’s Constitution Hill failed to get fit in time for the Champion HurdlePA

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State Man took full advantage of Henderson’s star horse Constitution Hill not turning up for the race after he failed to get fit in time.

Prior to the withdrawal, Henderson‘s prize asset was as short as 1-4 to give the trainer his 10th victory in the Champion Hurdler.

But it was not to be as Mullins claimed the win amid Constitution Hill’s absence.

Following Tuesday’s triumph, Mullins was quizzed about State Man.

When asked whether he produces his best at Cheltenham, the trainer told ITV Racing: “Probably not, he’s probably a better horse around Leopardstown, but he’s a champion hurdler.”

It was then put to Mullins whether he would “relish” a clash between State Man and Constitution Hill at Punchestown.

To which he replied: “You’ve got to turn up to win a champion hurdle. We turned up.”

This was evidently a pointed response to Constitution Hill’s unavailability for the race.

Jockey Paul Townend won the Champion Hurdle on Mullins’ State ManPA

But fans on social media were loving the trainer’s blunt response.

One said: “Spitting facts Willie up the State Man.”

Another added: “Perfect response from Willie to a loaded question!”

A third said: “Great answer! You gotta turn up!”

While a fourth responded: “Great answer Willie .”

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