Sir AP McCoy has shared his thoughts on the future plans for Constitution Hill, a promising jumps horse whose recent performances have been disappointing. Despite winning the 2023 Champion Hurdle and maintaining an unbeaten record in ten races, the horse faced setbacks at prestigious events like the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National meeting at Aintree.
Trainer Nicky Henderson conducted a thorough assessment of Constitution Hill during the summer to prepare for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the horse fell early in the race, repeating the pattern of recent races where his jumping has been a concern.
Despite these setbacks, Henderson has decided against retirement for Constitution Hill and is considering transitioning the horse to flat racing. In a recent episode of William Hill’s Inside Track, AP McCoy expressed his belief in the horse’s potential, emphasizing the need to persist with hurdles despite the challenges faced.
On the other hand, Barry Geraghty, a William Hill ambassador and the original purchaser of Constitution Hill, suggested exploring options to improve the horse’s jumping skills before making any decisions about the future direction. Geraghty proposed potential rehabilitation programs, including working with renowned expert Yogi Breisner, known for innovative training methods.
The contrasting opinions from McCoy and Geraghty reflect the dilemma faced by Constitution Hill’s connections in determining the best course of action for the talented but struggling horse. The decision on whether to continue competing in hurdles or explore alternative paths remains a challenging one for the team involved.