Nicky Henderson has finally put an end to the speculations surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The future of the highly talented hurdler has been a topic of debate among horse racing enthusiasts.
Constitution Hill, previously unbeaten over obstacles, faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle as 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, entering him in a race over 1m4f on the all-weather track at Southwell.
In front of a record crowd of over 3,000, Constitution Hill secured a resounding victory by a margin of nine and a half lengths during the Friday Night Live event broadcasted by ITV, showcasing potential as a competitive Flat racer.
Following the Southwell win, Henderson expressed concerns about the risks involved in running Constitution Hill at Cheltenham. Despite the positive outcome at Southwell causing him significant deliberation, Henderson described the decision as a tough ’50-50′ choice, to be finalized after discussions with owner Michael Buckley.
A pivotal factor in the decision was Constitution Hill’s performance in a scheduled training session in Lambourn. The odds reflected a shift when he began to drift in the betting for the Champion Hurdle, ultimately losing his status as the favorite and odds-on not to participate.
Subsequently, Henderson confirmed that Constitution Hill would not be entered in Cheltenham, signaling a possible transition from jumping to focusing on Flat racing. The announcement highlighted the mutual decision reached between Henderson and Buckley, acknowledging the horse’s potential in a new career path.
Acknowledging the emotional impact of the decision, Henderson extended gratitude to Constitution Hill’s supporters and acknowledged the mixed sentiments surrounding the choice. Despite the sadness among National Hunt enthusiasts, the decision was made to ensure the horse’s well-being and transition to a new phase of his career.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable journey included ten consecutive hurdle victories, notably winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. Despite setbacks in subsequent years, the decision to retire from jumping marked the end of an era, with Cheltenham offering an opportunity for fans to bid farewell to the celebrated hurdler.