Nicky Henderson has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate regarding the future path of this highly skilled hurdler. Once considered unbeatable, Constitution Hill faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, leading to a series of disappointing races with falls in three of the last four hurdles.
In a pivotal move, Henderson decided to test Constitution Hill’s capabilities on the flat for the first time by entering him in a specially arranged race over 1m4f on the all-weather track at Southwell. The race attracted a record crowd of over 3,000 spectators and was televised by ITV, showcasing Constitution Hill’s potential as a talented flat racer.
Following the Southwell victory, Henderson expressed his dilemma, acknowledging the pressure of making the right decision for Constitution Hill’s future. Despite the success at Southwell, Henderson described the decision as a difficult ’50-50′ choice, emphasizing the importance of a forthcoming schooling session in Lambourn.
The odds began to shift against Constitution Hill’s Cheltenham appearance as he lost his status as the favorite for the Champion Hurdle, with odds shortening to 1-14 against him running. Henderson eventually confirmed that Constitution Hill would not compete at Cheltenham, signaling a likely transition from jumping to focusing on flat racing for the talented horse.
In a statement, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill. They highlighted the decision to prioritize the horse’s well-being and future prospects, indicating a shift towards new opportunities in the flat racing arena.
While the announcement marked the end of an era for Constitution Hill’s jumping career, Henderson acknowledged the enduring support from fans and the racing community. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing an opportunity for supporters to bid farewell to the remarkable hurdler.
Constitution Hill had a remarkable streak of ten consecutive hurdle race victories, including notable wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023. Despite setbacks in subsequent years, Constitution Hill’s legacy in the racing world remains significant, with Henderson and Buckley looking ahead to new horizons for the talented horse.
