Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculations by revealing the decision about Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been a divide in opinions regarding the future path of this highly skilled hurdler. Once considered unbeatable, Constitution Hill faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle as he fell, leading to a series of disappointing performances with three falls in the last four hurdle races.
In a strategic move, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a Flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track, where he secured a remarkable victory by a margin of nine and a half lengths in front of a record audience of over 3,000 during Friday Night Live, broadcasted by ITV. This win showcased his potential as a talented Flat horse.
Acknowledging the risks involved, Henderson expressed concerns about the possibility of undoing the positive momentum gained from the Southwell victory if Constitution Hill were to suffer another fall at Cheltenham. Despite the dilemma and weighing the options, Henderson considered the decision a tough 50-50 call.
Following a scheduled schooling session in Lambourn, it became apparent that Constitution Hill’s odds of running in the Champion Hurdle were diminishing as he lost his position as the favorite and the odds of him not participating shortened to 1-14. Subsequently, Henderson announced that Constitution Hill would not be competing at Cheltenham, marking a potential shift towards focusing on Flat racing and possibly signaling the end of his jumping career.
In a statement, Henderson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill, also mentioning the difficult but necessary decision made in consultation with owner Michael Buckley. The decision was influenced by considerations of fairness towards the horse and jockey, leading to the conclusion that pursuing a career in Flat racing could open new opportunities for Constitution Hill.
While acknowledging the sadness felt by supporters and the National Hunt community, Henderson emphasized that Constitution Hill exits the jumping arena content and prepared for the next chapter. Despite the challenges faced, the journey with Constitution Hill has been remarkable, filled with highs and lows, and a Cheltenham parade has been arranged to allow supporters to bid farewell to the extraordinary horse.
Constitution Hill’s impressive track record includes ten consecutive hurdle race victories, including wins at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, where he triumphed over State Man. Unfortunately, setbacks in subsequent events, including a fall in the previous year’s race, have led to the decision to shift focus towards a potential career in Flat racing.
