Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate regarding the future of this highly talented hurdler.
Despite an impeccable record over obstacles, Constitution Hill faced setbacks, including a fall during the 2025 Champion Hurdle race. In a strategic move, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill on the Flat for the first time at a race in Southwell over 1m4f on the all-weather track.
In an impressive performance witnessed by a record crowd of over 3,000, Constitution Hill triumphed by a significant margin on ITV’s Friday Night Live, showcasing his potential as a competitive Flat racer.
Henderson acknowledged the dilemma he faced after the Southwell victory, recognizing the risks involved in deciding Constitution Hill’s future participation at Cheltenham. Despite the success, Henderson described the situation as a challenging ’50-50′ decision.
Following a scheduled schooling session in Lambourn, the odds for Constitution Hill competing in the Champion Hurdle dwindled, leading to his displacement as the favorite and a decision to withdraw from the race. This move marks a probable shift in focus from jumping to Flat racing for Constitution Hill.
In an official statement, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill. The decision not to run at Cheltenham was made in consideration of the horse’s future and the desire to explore new opportunities in Flat racing.
Henderson highlighted the bittersweet nature of the decision, acknowledging the disappointment among supporters who hoped to see Constitution Hill reclaim his former glory in National Hunt racing. Despite this, the team is optimistic about Constitution Hill’s future endeavors in a different discipline.
Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing fans with an opportunity to bid farewell to the remarkable hurdler.
Constitution Hill’s stellar career included ten consecutive hurdle race victories, culminating in wins at prestigious events such as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle.