Nicky Henderson has put an end to ongoing speculation by revealing his decision regarding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been a mix of opinions on the future path of this highly skilled hurdler, who had previously shown unbeatable form until a fall during the 2025 Champion Hurdle led to a series of disappointing performances, with three falls in the last four hurdles.
In a significant move, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a Flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track, where he secured a victory by a wide margin in front of a record crowd exceeding 3,000 spectators. This impressive win, showcased on ITV during the Friday Night Live event, hinted at the horse’s potential as a talented Flat racer.
Despite the positive attention garnered from the Southwell race, Henderson expressed concerns about the risks involved in sending Constitution Hill to compete at Cheltenham. Following discussions with owner Michael Buckley, Henderson acknowledged the difficult decision ahead, with the final call being deemed a ’50-50′ proposition.
A crucial factor in the decision-making process was Constitution Hill’s performance in a training session in Lambourn, scheduled for Wednesday. However, signs of uncertainty emerged as the horse’s odds in the Champion Hurdle betting market began to drift significantly.
Subsequently, Constitution Hill was dethroned as the favorite for the Champion Hurdle, with odds of him not running shortening to 1-14. Henderson later confirmed that Constitution Hill would not be risking his participation at Cheltenham, signaling a probable shift towards focusing on Flat racing and potentially marking the end of his hurdling career.
In a statement, Henderson stated, “Michael Buckley and I have thoroughly deliberated on Constitution Hill’s future and regrettably concluded that he will not be competing in the Unibet Champion Hurdle. The overwhelming support and admiration for Constitution Hill at the recent event were deeply appreciated, and we believe there is a promising new path ahead for him in a different discipline.”
Acknowledging the emotional impact of the decision, Henderson thanked the supporters and admirers of Constitution Hill, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of transitioning away from hurdling. Despite the disappointment, Henderson highlighted the horse’s positive departure from the jumping world, expressing gratitude for the remarkable journey they had shared.
Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing an opportunity for National Hunt enthusiasts to bid farewell to the extraordinary hurdler who captured ten consecutive hurdle race victories before embarking on this new chapter.