3 minute read

Nicky Henderson has confirmed Constitution Hill will not participate in next week's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

This year's Unibet Champion Hurdle will have a new winner after trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed defending champion Constitution Hill would participate at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

Participation of last year's winner was cast in major doubt when mucus was found in a post-racecourse gallop scope, where he trailed home last behind Triumph Hurdle favourite Sir Gino and an unnamed stablemate at Kempton last Tuesday.

A subsequent blood test taken last week displayed signs of a "significant degree of inflammation" and while a scope following light exercise on Friday showed no signs of mucus, a secondary blood test taken on Monday demonstrated that although Constitution Hill's condition had improved, it had not improved enough for him to defend his crown at Cheltenham next Tuesday.

"Very sadly we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore have to declare that he will not be running there this year," said Henderson in a statement released on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"He has undoubtedly improved over the weekend and seems noticeably brighter than he was at the end of last week and I really did think he was much perkier when ridden this morning.

"Unfortunately, the all-important blood test shows that although the figures have also improved, they are quite a way from being satisfactory for a horse to commence serious training and to race in a week's time.

Very sadly we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle

"There are three significant markers on the blood test all of which have come down since Thursday's sample but are still raised enough to indicate that he has not fully recovered from whatever was ailing him.

"The only way to continue the improvement is not to stress him and he obviously cannot run in these Olympic games if he's not trained sufficiently.

"This is very sad for all of us and particularly Michael (Buckley, owner) but it is in everybody's best interests that we ensure we have a fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year."

Unbeaten in eight outings under Rules, last year's hero was as short as 1/4 to successfully retain his title in this year's Champion Hurdle prior to his disappointing racecourse gallop at Kempton.

With Constitution Hill's absence confirmed, Willie Mullins has obtained yet another short-priced Festival favourite, with Paddy Power making State Man, who chased home Henderson's star twelve months ago, 2/5 to go one spot better this time around.