Nicky Henderson has put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly talented hurdler. Despite an impressive track record, Constitution Hill’s luck took a turn when he fell during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, leading to a series of disappointing performances with three falls in his last four hurdles.
In a strategic move, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill’s abilities on the flat for the first time at Southwell, where he competed in a specially arranged race over 1m4f on the all-weather track. Surpassing expectations, Constitution Hill won by a remarkable nine and a half lengths in front of a record crowd exceeding 3,000 viewers during ITV’s Friday Night Live broadcast, showcasing potential as a competitive flat racer.
Following the race, Henderson expressed concerns about the risks involved in sending Constitution Hill to Cheltenham, acknowledging the significant dilemma he faced. Despite the Southwell victory causing a stir, Henderson remained undecided, describing the decision as a difficult ’50-50′ call to make in consultation with owner Michael Buckley.
A pivotal factor in the final decision was Constitution Hill’s performance during a scheduled training session in Lambourn. However, the odds began shifting against him in the Champion Hurdle betting, leading to his displacement as the favorite and odds of not running shortening to 1-14. Subsequently, Henderson officially confirmed that Constitution Hill would not compete at Cheltenham, signaling a potential shift towards a flat racing focus.
In a statement, Henderson and Buckley expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection shown towards Constitution Hill, acknowledging the difficult decision to retire him from hurdling. They emphasized the horse’s promising future in flat racing and thanked supporters for their input, recognizing the bittersweet nature of the outcome.
Concluding the announcement, Henderson mentioned that Constitution Hill would be invited to parade on Champion Hurdle day at Cheltenham, offering National Hunt fans an opportunity to bid farewell to the remarkable hurdler. Constitution Hill’s illustrious career saw him achieve ten consecutive hurdle victories, including wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023 before his untimely fall in the 2025 season.
This decision marks the end of an era for Constitution Hill in the jumping world, paving the way for a new chapter in his racing journey.