Nicky Henderson has put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The decision on the future path of the highly talented hurdler has been a topic of debate among fans.
The previously unbeaten jumper faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, falling during the race and experiencing a series of disappointing performances with three falls in the last four hurdles. To assess the situation, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a Flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track.
In a remarkable performance witnessed by over 3,000 spectators at the Friday Night Live event broadcasted by ITV, Constitution Hill triumphed by a significant margin, showcasing potential as a competitive Flat racer.
Henderson acknowledged the dilemma he faced following the Southwell victory, recognizing the risks involved in deciding whether to enter Constitution Hill at Cheltenham. Despite the positive outcome at Southwell, Henderson remained uncertain about the final decision, describing it as a difficult “50-50” choice.
A crucial factor in the decision-making process was Constitution Hill’s performance in a training session in Lambourn on Wednesday. The situation became clearer as the Champion Hurdle betting odds shifted unfavorably for the horse.
Subsequently, Constitution Hill lost its status as the favorite for the Champion Hurdle, with odds indicating a low chance of participation. Henderson eventually confirmed that Constitution Hill would not compete at Cheltenham, signaling a potential shift towards focusing on Flat racing and likely marking the end of the hurdling career.
In a statement, Henderson expressed gratitude for the support and affection shown towards Constitution Hill, emphasizing the decision’s difficulty amid a divided opinion among supporters. The announcement highlighted the horse’s promising future in Flat racing and the need to prioritize its well-being over competitive hurdles.
The statement also acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and the racing community at the decision, recognizing Constitution Hill’s significant achievements in the jumping world. Cheltenham extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day as a farewell gesture to its National Hunt supporters.
Constitution Hill’s notable success included winning ten consecutive hurdle races, securing victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. Despite setbacks in subsequent years, the decision to transition to Flat racing reflects a strategic move towards exploring new opportunities and challenges.
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