Nicky Henderson has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s potential appearance at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate regarding the future path of this highly skilled hurdler.
Initially unbeatable, Constitution Hill faced his first obstacle defeat in the 2025 Champion Hurdle, setting off a series of disappointing performances with falls in three of his last four hurdles. In a strategic move, Henderson tested Constitution Hill on the flat for the first time at Southwell, where he participated in a specially arranged race over 1m4f on the all-weather track.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of over 3,000 viewers during the ITV Friday Night Live broadcast, Constitution Hill triumphed by a significant margin, showcasing potential as a competitive flat racer. Despite the positive outcome, Henderson expressed concerns about risking Constitution Hill’s future by competing at Cheltenham, acknowledging the weight of the decision ahead.
Amid discussions with owner Michael Buckley and an upcoming training session in Lambourn, it became evident that Constitution Hill’s chances at the Champion Hurdle were diminishing as his odds decreased. Henderson ultimately made the tough call to withdraw Constitution Hill from the Cheltenham event, signaling a potential shift towards focusing on flat racing.
In an official statement, Henderson and Buckley shared their decision, emphasizing the importance of considering Constitution Hill’s well-being and career trajectory. They expressed gratitude for the support and input from fans and stakeholders, acknowledging the mixed sentiments surrounding the outcome. Despite the disappointment of not participating in the Champion Hurdle, they highlighted the exciting prospects for Constitution Hill’s future in a different arena.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable journey, marked by ten consecutive hurdle victories including notable wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle, now takes a new direction as he bids farewell to the jumping world. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, allowing fans to bid adieu to this extraordinary horse.