Sir AP McCoy has shared his thoughts on the future plans for Constitution Hill, a promising jumps horse whose recent performances have been disappointing. Constitution Hill, who won the 2023 Champion Hurdle and had an impressive track record, faced setbacks at the Cheltenham Festival and subsequent races.
Trainer Nicky Henderson conducted a thorough assessment of Constitution Hill during the summer and believed the horse was ready to return to form at the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in Newcastle. However, the horse suffered another fall at the second hurdle in the race, leading to further concerns about its jumping ability.
Despite the setbacks, Henderson has decided against retiring Constitution Hill and is contemplating transitioning the horse to flat racing. McCoy expressed his opinion on the matter, highlighting the challenges but emphasizing the horse’s potential and the care it receives as a racehorse.
Barry Geraghty, a William Hill ambassador and the original purchaser of Constitution Hill, suggested exploring rehabilitation options for the horse’s jumping issues before considering other avenues like flat racing. He recommended seeking assistance from Yogi Breisner, known for innovative training methods, to address the jumping concerns.
The future path for Constitution Hill remains uncertain, with differing opinions on whether to persist with hurdles or explore alternative disciplines. The decision ultimately lies with the connections involved, weighing the risks and potential rewards of each option.