Nicky Henderson has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s potential participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate surrounding the future path of this highly skilled hurdler, who had previously maintained an unbeaten record over obstacles until a fall during the 2025 Champion Hurdle race led to a series of disappointing performances, with three falls in the last four hurdles.
To help make the decision, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill’s abilities on the flat for the first time by entering him in a specially arranged race over 1m4f at Southwell. In a remarkable display witnessed by a record crowd of over 3,000 during the Friday Night Live event broadcasted by ITV, Constitution Hill secured a convincing victory by nine and a half lengths, showcasing potential as a competitive flat horse.
Following the impressive win, Henderson expressed concerns about risking Constitution Hill at Cheltenham, acknowledging the weight of the decision ahead. Despite the positive outcome at Southwell causing a dilemma described as the “biggest headache” of his career, Henderson revealed that the final call was still uncertain, with consultations planned with owner Michael Buckley before a decision by the end of the week.
The direction of the decision was hinted at as Constitution Hill’s odds in the Champion Hurdle betting market began to drift significantly, leading to his displacement as the favorite and odds of not running shortening to 1-14. Subsequently, Henderson confirmed that Constitution Hill would not be taking part in the Cheltenham Festival, marking a probable transition from a jumping career to a focus on flat racing.
In an official statement, Henderson and Buckley expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill, acknowledging the difficult decision made to prioritize the horse’s future well-being and potential in a different discipline. Despite the disappointment felt by many, Henderson assured that Constitution Hill leaves the jumping world on a positive note, ready to embark on a new chapter.
Constitution Hill’s remarkable streak of ten consecutive hurdle race victories, including wins at prestigious events such as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, highlighted his exceptional talent before setbacks in subsequent years. As a gesture to his fans, Cheltenham has invited Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day to offer supporters a chance to bid farewell to this extraordinary horse.