Somerset-based Scott said: “It’s marred by the two horses who came down, but I’m just delighted the gods favoured us.”
The trainer had been persuaded to run in the feature race, rather than the Mares’ Hurdle, by owner Ian Gosden.
Borrowing a line from Only Fools and Horses, Gosden said: “He who dares, wins, Rodney.”
Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, had recovered from a respiratory issue and suspected colic since his triumph two years ago to go into the race unbeaten from 10 races.
He was sent off the 1-2 favourite and his fall at the fifth hurdle is estimated to have saved bookmakers a £10m payout.
“Nobody is hurt, they’re two jockeys and two horses who’ve had proper old falls but they’re all OK. That’s the main thing,” said Henderson.
State Man, ridden by Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins, was well clear before his mistake at the final flight
Cheltenham’s crowd on the opening day was 55,498 – a drop of nearly 5,000 on last year, with the cost of accommodation and attending the races cited as factors.
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