Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculation by making a decision regarding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly talented hurdler. Despite being unbeaten over obstacles, Constitution Hill fell during the 2025 Champion Hurdle and has since had a series of disappointing runs, falling in three out of his last four hurdles.
In a significant move, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a Flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track. In front of a record crowd of over 3,000, he secured a convincing victory by nine and a half lengths on ITV’s Friday Night Live broadcast, showcasing his potential as a strong Flat racer.
Henderson acknowledged the dilemma he faced, stating that while the Southwell win posed a major decision, the call to continue with hurdles at Cheltenham was still uncertain. A final decision was pending after discussions with owner Michael Buckley, with a crucial schooling session in Lambourn scheduled for Wednesday. Despite initial hopes, the odds for Constitution Hill running in the Champion Hurdle shortened significantly, leading to the eventual announcement by Henderson that the horse would not compete at Cheltenham, signaling a likely shift from jumping to focus on Flat racing.
The official statement expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill, acknowledging the tough decision to withdraw from the Champion Hurdle. The decision was made considering the horse’s future and the public sentiment, leading to the conclusion that a new chapter awaited in the Flat racing arena.
The statement also highlighted the emotional impact of this decision on fans and the racing community, recognizing the highs and lows of Constitution Hill’s journey in the jumping world. Despite the sadness surrounding the decision, the horse leaves the jumping scene on a positive note, ready for new opportunities ahead. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing a chance for his National Hunt supporters to bid farewell.
Constitution Hill had an impressive streak of ten consecutive hurdle victories, including notable wins in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. However, setbacks in subsequent races, including a fall in the previous year’s event, led to the decision to transition focus towards Flat racing.