Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculation by revealing the decision on Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the future path of this highly skilled hurdler.
The previously unbeatable jumper faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, marking a series of disappointing performances with falls in three of the last four hurdles. Henderson, considering the options, tested Constitution Hill’s abilities on the flat by racing him for the first time at Southwell over 1m4f on the all-weather track.
In a remarkable performance witnessed by a record crowd of over 3,000 viewers on ITV’s Friday Night Live broadcast, Constitution Hill secured a victory by a significant margin, showcasing potential as a talented flat racer.
Reflecting on the outcome, Henderson acknowledged the dilemma caused by the Southwell win, stating it was a challenging decision with a 50-50 chance. The final verdict was pending after discussions with owner Michael Buckley and assessing Constitution Hill’s performance in a schooling session in Lambourn.
However, the odds hinted at a different direction when Constitution Hill’s position in the Champion Hurdle betting market began to shift dramatically, leading to a declaration that he would not be risking a run at Cheltenham. This decision likely signals the end of his jumping career, redirecting the focus towards flat racing.
The announcement highlighted the mutual decision between Henderson and Buckley to withdraw Constitution Hill from the Unibet Champion Hurdle, citing concerns for the horse’s well-being and the overwhelming support received from fans and the racing community.
While acknowledging the sadness surrounding the decision, Henderson emphasized the positive journey Constitution Hill had experienced and the readiness for a new chapter ahead. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, offering National Hunt supporters a chance to bid farewell.
Constitution Hill achieved remarkable success with ten consecutive hurdle victories, including notable wins in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, before encountering setbacks in subsequent years.