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 exceptionally talented hurdler. Despite being undefeated in hurdle races, Constitution Hill’s luck changed during the 2025 Champion Hurdle where he fell, leading to a series of disappointing performances with three falls in the last four hurdles.
To assess the situation, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill on the flat for the first time at Southwell in a specially arranged 1m4f all-weather race. In a remarkable performance witnessed by a record crowd of over 3,000 during ITV’s Friday Night Live, Constitution Hill triumphed by a significant margin, displaying potential as a skilled flat racer.
Acknowledging the risks involved, Henderson expressed concerns about the possibility of a fall or worse at Cheltenham, despite the positive outcome at Southwell causing him considerable dilemma. Following discussions with owner Michael Buckley, Henderson stated that a decision on Constitution Hill’s future would be made by the week’s end, pending a scheduled training session in Lambourn.
As betting odds shifted away from Constitution Hill’s favor for the Champion Hurdle, Henderson made the difficult choice to withdraw him from the race, signaling a potential shift towards focusing on flat racing over jumping. The decision was conveyed through a statement expressing gratitude for the support and admiration received, while highlighting the new opportunities that lie ahead for Constitution Hill in the flat racing arena.
Despite the disappointment felt by many in the National Hunt community, Henderson emphasized that Constitution Hill leaves the jumping scene in good spirits, ready for a new chapter. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, offering his supporters a chance to bid farewell to the remarkable hurdler.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable career saw him win ten consecutive hurdle races, including notable victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle, before facing setbacks in recent years.