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Nicky Henderson’s stable star was sent to veterinary hospital on Wednesday night to be monitored for suspected colic.

Last year's Champion Hurdle hero was unable to defend his crown at Prestbury Park last month after scoping poorly following a racecourse gallop at Kempton, but connections had earmarked a potential tilt at the Punchestown Festival next month.

However, a trip to Punchestown looks unlikely for the star hurdler, who is unbeaten in eight outings under Rules, with trainer Nicky Henderson confirming on Sunday morning that Constitution Hill has been treated for suspected colic.

In a statement released on X, Nicky Henderson said: "We've had a few traumatic days with poor Constitution Hill as he had to go to the veterinary hospital on Wednesday night in order to monitor suspected colic. I'm pleased to say that they have managed to avoid surgery so far and this morning he is being reintroduced to a normal diet and if this goes well, he could come home in the next day or so.

"We're not completely out of the woods but very hopeful that he'll soon be back which will be an enormous relief.

"This will obviously interfere with our plan to get to Punchestown which is very sad but the only important thing at the moment is to get him safely home."