In a significant development for British horse racing, the celebrated National Hunt competitor Constitution Hill has been officially withdrawn from the upcoming Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. This decision, confirmed by trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley, redirects the nine-year-old horse toward a promising future on the Flat racing circuit.
A Strategic Shift Following Southwell Success
The pivotal moment arrived after Constitution Hill delivered a commanding performance in his debut Flat race at Southwell last week. This victory not only showcased his adaptability but also illuminated a potential new career path. Henderson and Buckley engaged in extensive deliberations over several days, weighing the horse's recent form and long-term welfare.
Recent Challenges Over Hurdles
Constitution Hill's trajectory in National Hunt racing has encountered obstacles, with the horse falling in three of his last four outings over hurdles. This pattern raised concerns about continuing in that discipline. The choice ultimately centered on whether to return him to jumping or transition him permanently to Flat racing, where the risks associated with hurdles are eliminated.
Henderson had previously indicated that Constitution Hill would undergo a schooling session midweek, which informed the final verdict. In a detailed statement, Henderson expressed the difficulty of the decision, acknowledging the horse's popularity and the public's deep affection for him, often referred to as "Conrad" within his stable.
Public Sentiment and Racing Legacy
The trainer highlighted the overwhelming support from fans, noting that opinions were nearly evenly split on the horse's future direction. Henderson emphasized that running over hurdles again was deemed unfair to both Constitution Hill and jockey Nico de Boinville, given the potential consequences.
"He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields," Henderson stated. He extended gratitude to the thousands of supporters who shared their perspectives, underscoring the emotional weight of the decision for the National Hunt community.
Transition to a New Chapter
Constitution Hill departs the jumping scene in sound health and high spirits, ready to embark on this next phase. Henderson reflected on the horse's extraordinary journey, marked by both challenging moments and remarkable achievements for owner Michael Buckley.
As a farewell gesture, Cheltenham has invited Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, allowing his National Hunt admirers to bid him goodbye. This move underscores the end of an era in hurdle racing and the beginning of an exciting Flat campaign that could redefine his legacy.
