Nicky Henderson has finally ended weeks of uncertainty by confirming that Constitution Hill will not run in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival’s Champion Hurdle. Once an unbeatable hurdler and favorite for the 2025 Champion Hurdle, the talented horse’s recent form has been hampered by a series of falls, prompting a reassessment of his future.
After remaining unbeaten in hurdles for much of his career, Constitution Hill suffered a fall during the 2024 Champion Hurdle and has fallen in three of his last four hurdle races since. In a surprising move, Henderson tested the horse in a Flat race for the first time at Southwell, where Constitution Hill dazzlingly won by nine and a half lengths in front of a record crowd of more than 3,000.
Despite the impressive Flat victory, Henderson described the decision over Constitution Hill’s Cheltenham participation as “the biggest headache of my life,” weighing the risks of returning to hurdles. The horse’s odds for the Champion Hurdle began to drift, and bookmakers substantially cut the odds on him not running.
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After careful consideration alongside owner Michael Buckley and evaluating the horse’s schooling session at Lambourn, Henderson confirmed that Constitution Hill will not risk competing at Cheltenham. This decision likely marks the end of Constitution Hill’s hurdling career, with an exciting Flat racing career ahead.
Henderson released a statement expressing gratitude to supporters and acknowledging the difficult decision: “We have sadly concluded that he will not be running in the Unibet Champion Hurdle… It was a magical occasion for us all on Friday night, showcasing his immense talent. However, the risks of running again over hurdles are not fair to ask of him and jockey Nico de Boinville.”
The statement continued to commend Constitution Hill’s remarkable journey: “He leaves the jumping world sound and happy, ready for his next chapter. It has been an extraordinary ride and we thank all fans for their support.”
Constitution Hill’s career highlights include ten consecutive hurdle wins, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022, and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, where he defeated future champion State Man. Although absent in 2024, his fall last year as the favorite was a painful setback.
Cheltenham has kindly invited Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, allowing his National Hunt supporters to give a fitting farewell to the extraordinary hurdler as he embarks on his new path in Flat racing.