Nicky Henderson has put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly skilled hurdler, who had an impeccable record until a fall during the 2025 Champion Hurdle led to a series of disappointing performances, with three falls in the last four hurdles.
After careful consideration, Henderson decided to run Constitution Hill on the Flat for the first time at Southwell, where he won a race over 1m4f by a significant margin in front of a record crowd of over 3,000. The victory showcased his potential as a talented Flat horse.
Despite the positive reception to the Southwell win, Henderson expressed concerns about risking Constitution Hill at Cheltenham, acknowledging the significant implications of any potential mishaps. Following discussions with owner Michael Buckley, Henderson described the decision as a tough ’50-50′ call, with a final verdict to be reached after a schooling session in Lambourn.
As the Champion Hurdle betting odds began to shift away from Constitution Hill, Henderson ultimately confirmed that the horse would not be competing at Cheltenham, signaling a likely shift towards focusing on Flat racing. Henderson and Buckley expressed gratitude for the support and admiration received, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the decision but emphasizing the exciting prospects ahead for Constitution Hill in a different discipline.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable career saw ten consecutive hurdle race victories, including wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. Despite missing the 2024 edition, a fall at the race last year ultimately led to the decision to retire from jumping and explore new avenues in the racing world.
Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing an opportunity for National Hunt enthusiasts to bid farewell to the extraordinary hurdler.