Nicky Henderson has put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly talented hurdler. Once considered unbeatable, Constitution Hill faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, falling during the race and experiencing a series of disappointing runs with three falls in the last four hurdles.
In a significant move, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill’s abilities on the Flat for the first time at Southwell, where he competed in a specially arranged race over 1m4f on the all-weather track. The horse impressed the audience with a remarkable victory by nine and a half lengths in front of a record crowd of over 3,000 viewers during the Friday Night Live event broadcasted by ITV, showcasing potential as a promising Flat racer.
Henderson expressed his dilemma, acknowledging the positive attention following the Southwell win but also highlighting the risks involved in pushing Constitution Hill to compete at Cheltenham. Despite the success at Southwell causing a significant dilemma, Henderson described the decision as a tough 50-50 choice, with final discussions to be held with owner Michael Buckley by the end of the week.
A crucial factor in the decision-making process was Constitution Hill’s performance in a scheduled schooling session in Lambourn. The odds in the Champion Hurdle betting market indicated a shift away from Constitution Hill, with his chances of running decreasing to 1-14. Subsequently, Henderson officially announced that Constitution Hill would not participate in Cheltenham, marking a potential transition from jumping to focusing on Flat racing.
The statement released by Henderson and Buckley explained their careful consideration of Constitution Hill’s future, emphasizing the decision not to risk the horse at Cheltenham to explore new opportunities in Flat racing. They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and considered opinions from fans and stakeholders, acknowledging the mixed sentiments about the decision.
Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s successful career in hurdling, the statement recognized the end of an era in National Hunt racing but highlighted the horse’s readiness for a new chapter in his career. Despite the disappointment of not defending his crown, Constitution Hill will be honored with a parade at Cheltenham on Champion Hurdle day to bid farewell to his loyal supporters.
Constitution Hill had a remarkable streak of ten consecutive hurdle race victories, including wins in prestigious events like the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. However, setbacks in subsequent races and the recent decision not to compete at Cheltenham indicate a potential shift in focus towards a new phase in Constitution Hill’s racing career.