The racing world eagerly await the outcome of a schooling session today that will determine the fate of Constitution Hill’s Champion Hurdle participation.
This comes after his nine and a half length triumph at Southwell on flat debut last week. The former Champion Hurdle winner demolished the field, receiving a Timeform rating 106p.
Speaking at a Jockey Club gallops morning on Tuesday, as reported by the Racing Post, Henderson said it was “50-50” regarding his participation.
“We’re going to do something tomorrow then Michael and I have got to sit-down.
“It’s as simple as that. I appreciate the interest and I think that’s why we’ve got to make the decision.”
With previous form figures of FF5F it was questioned as to whether his enthusiasm for racing remains, but those fears were allayed after such a scintillating performance.
Speaking to the media at Kempton, Nicky Henderson remained confident in his ability to win a Champion Hurdle.
“If you’re realistic about it, if he bent his knees eight times, he’s got the speed, he’s got the stamina, surely he’d be there.
“But he’s got to jump.”
Yogi Breisner called in to sharpen jumping
Henderson noted how Equestrian jumping guru Yogi Breisner has worked closely with the Seven Barrows team in the jumping department.
“He’s definitely changed his technique. Yogi’s got him putting in a stride and he’s been really, really good. Yogi says that in Nico he has the best horseman and he’s as good as anybody he’s ever worked with.
“Yogi’s teaching Nico. It’s minuted details and it’s fascinating.”
Despite improving his jumping at home, Henderson is aware of the public ramifications should he repeat his blunders.
“We’ve got hearts, I think. We’re not ruthless and that’s why we’re finding it so hard.
“We’ve got to bear this cross of responsibility. We owe that to racing and to everybody.”
Constitution Hill is the highest publicly documented horse since Tiger Roll. His performance at Southwell was one that transcended the sport, though connections are aware of the responsibility that comes attached to such a superstar, and any further blips in his career could put the sport on the front pages for all the wrong reasons.
“The sooner we make the decision, probably for my own sake and health, is probably a good idea.”
If the outcome of the session is to be that Constitution Hill’s jumping career has come to an end, then racing fans can begin to look forward to a fruitful flat campaign with York, Ascot and Keeneland all noted to be on the agenda.