Constitution Hill has been ruled out of the Champion Hurdle after a key schooling session on Wednesday. Nicky Henderson‘s star campaigner will now continue his racing career on the flat throughout 2026.
Read more on the reaction to this racing news today in our Thursday round-up.
Constitution Hill to race only on the flat
2023 Champion Hurdle hero Constitution Hill will continue his racing career on the flat. The decision was made on Wednesday after a schooling session at Seven Barrows. Nicky Henderson announced on the yard’s X account that a decision had been reached between himself and owner Michael Buckley. Although this rules him out of the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, racing fans can look forward to seeing him compete throughout the upcoming flat season. (BBC)
One significant figure to come out in support of the decision is ITV Racing anchor Ed Chamberlin. The presenter of the sport on terrestrial TV penned his latest column for the Sporting Life on the decision. He admitted to some relief that reward was not placed over risk, with his legacy already in tact. In terms of his impending flat pursuits, Chamberlin wrote that “the world could be his oyster.” (Sporting Life)
Cheltenham hope for rising attendances including one flat jockey
Cheltenham CEO Guy Lavender is expecting strong attendances at the 2026 Festival. Lavender admitted on the eve of last year’s meeting that ticket sales had been weaker due to a number of factors. However, there is much more confidence in his words in 2026. This comes despite a lowering in maximum capacity across each individual day at the meeting. Nevertheless, Lavender and his team are expecting upwards of 220,000 to attend racing’s biggest event across the four days. (Gloucestershire Live)
One man who may attend for the first time in a riding capacity is Colin Keane. The six-time champion jockey in Ireland made headlines during last year’s flat season when he became the number one rider for owners Juddmonte, in the wake of Kieran Shoemark losing his retainer at the Gosdens’ yard. Keane will not be riding over obstacles at Cheltenham, however. Instead, he is set to partner Noel Meade’s Champion Bumper hope The Mourne Rambler. (Racing Post)
Lord Allen close to exit as BHA chairman
A crisis of infighting has pushed Lord Allen close to leaving his role as BHA chairman. Much was expected when Lord Allen was appointed to the role, which he officially began six months ago. However, with planned reforms in disarray, many conditions as part of his joining are now set to be disbanded, including an independent BHA board. Opposition to a new model for raceday data from the Racecourse Association appears to be a final straw. (The Times)