Nicky Henderson has put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of the highly skilled hurdler, who had previously been unbeaten over obstacles until a fall during the 2025 Champion Hurdle.
To help make his decision, Henderson took Constitution Hill to compete on the Flat for the first time at a specially organized race in Southwell over 1m4f on the all-weather track. In front of a record crowd of over 3,000, he secured a decisive victory by nine and a half lengths, showcasing his potential as a talented Flat racer.
Following the successful race at Southwell, Henderson expressed concerns about the risks involved in sending Constitution Hill to Cheltenham, acknowledging the pressure of making such a crucial decision. Despite the victory, Henderson described the situation as a difficult “50-50” choice, with input from owner Michael Buckley being essential in the decision-making process.
The final verdict hinged on Constitution Hill’s performance in a scheduled training session in Lambourn, but signs of doubt emerged as the horse’s odds in the Champion Hurdle betting market began to shift unfavorably. Subsequently, Henderson announced that Constitution Hill would not be competing at Cheltenham, signaling a shift towards focusing on his Flat racing career and likely marking the end of his hurdling pursuits.
In a statement, Henderson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection shown towards Constitution Hill, acknowledging the tough decision to move away from hurdling. Despite the disappointment for National Hunt enthusiasts, Henderson emphasized that Constitution Hill leaves the jumping world on a positive note, poised for new opportunities in his career.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable journey included ten consecutive hurdle race victories, culminating in wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. However, setbacks in subsequent years, including missing the 2024 event and a fall in the previous year’s race, influenced the decision to shift focus towards Flat racing. Henderson revealed that Constitution Hill will be honored at Cheltenham by participating in a parade on Champion Hurdle day to allow fans a chance to bid farewell to the beloved hurdler.