Nicky Henderson remains coy on Constitution Hill‘s prospects for the rest of the jumps season, including next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
The nine-year-old lit up Cheltenham with stunning victories in both 2022 and 2023. However, his journey since then has been far from smooth, falling on three of his last four starts.
As a result, Henderson is seeking answers. With his build-up disrupted due to his falls, a run on Southwell’s all-weather is likely next week.
That race takes place during the second Friday Night Live meeting and is worth £40,000. Thereafter though, the picture is murkier regarding Constitution Hill, with Henderson refusing to commit him to Cheltenham
“We don’t know if he’ll run in the Champion Hurdle, we really don’t,” Henderson told talkSPORT 2. “We’ve been doing loads of jumping with him and it is perfectly possible that he’ll go.
“There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then. I’m not going to rule it in or out. Let’s get over next Friday first and then think about where we go next.”
Henderson’s Champion Hurdle dilemma at Cheltenham
At two separate points this season, Henderson has been responsible for the Champion Hurdle favourite.
Both Constitution Hill and Sir Gino have at least shared favouritism for the race, yet both may be forced to miss the race. Sir Gino has been ruled out for the season with a pelvic injury.
However, with Constitution Hill’s recent jumping woes, it is possible that neither will contest the race. Henderson has understandable admitted to some frustration with the situation.
“The frustrating thing is poor old Sir Gino is still in the vets and with Constitution Hill we’ve got issues with him as a hurdler. They are the two best hurdlers around in Britain and if both of them were there in their prime they’d be odds on, I’ve no doubt.
“It’s just frustrating we’ve the two best horses but at the moment we can’t run them.”
With the decision on Constitution Hill likely to be left late, Henderson is caught in two minds. That indecision has not been helped by those who have spoken to him about the race.
“An awful lot of people are saying ‘come on Henderson, stop fussing about’ and there’s an awful lot saying ‘how could you do it?’. That’s my predicament…and we’ve got to be prepared to take full responsibility.
“If it works everyone will say it’s great to see him again and if it doesn’t who takes the consequences? Well that will be me.”
Nevertheless, Henderson is under no doubt about the talent that remains under the bonnet, as Southwell looms.
“I’ve no doubt he’s still as good as he was two years ago. His work is as good as it has ever been, which is why we can do this on the Flat. A mile and a half will be ideal for him.”