Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculation by revealing the decision regarding Constitution Hill’s participation at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly skilled hurdler, who had previously been unbeaten over obstacles until a fall in the 2025 Champion Hurdle led to a series of disappointing performances, with three falls in the last four hurdles.
After evaluating his options, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill on the Flat for the first time at Southwell, where he competed in a specially arranged race over 1m4f on the all-weather track. In an impressive display witnessed by a record crowd of over 3,000 during the Friday Night Live event aired by ITV, he secured a victory by a significant margin, showcasing potential as a competitive Flat racer.
Acknowledging the weight of the upcoming decision, Henderson expressed that the Southwell win had presented him with a major dilemma, characterizing it as a ’50-50′ choice. He mentioned that discussions with owner Michael Buckley would play a crucial role in the final verdict, with a key factor being Constitution Hill’s performance in a scheduled training session in Lambourn.
Despite initial uncertainties, it became evident that Constitution Hill’s chances of running in the Champion Hurdle were diminishing as his odds dropped and he was no longer the favorite. Subsequently, Henderson made the official announcement that Constitution Hill would not be taking part in Cheltenham, signaling a probable shift from jumping to focus on Flat racing.
In a statement, Henderson and Buckley expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection shown towards Constitution Hill, as well as the consideration of public sentiment in making the decision. They emphasized the potential for a new chapter in Constitution Hill’s career in the Flat racing arena, highlighting the positive outlook for the future.
While acknowledging the disappointment felt by many within the National Hunt community, the statement conveyed a sense of closure on Constitution Hill’s jumping career, noting that he leaves the discipline on a positive note. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing an opportunity for his supporters to bid farewell.
Constitution Hill had an impressive streak of ten hurdle race victories, including notable wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, before encountering setbacks in subsequent years, culminating in the decision to transition towards Flat racing.