The racing world is grappling with a difficult question following the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday: should the brilliant but faltering Constitution Hill ever be asked to jump a hurdle in public again? The eight-year-old, partnered by jockey Nico De Boinville, unseated his rider for the third time in four starts, casting a profound shadow over his future in the sport.
A Trainer's Dilemma and a Loss of Confidence
In the wake of the fall, which allowed the mare Golden Ace to storm to an unexpected victory, trainer Nicky Henderson posed the poignant question: "can we go on asking him to do it?" This query, directed at owner Michael Buckley, suggests Henderson's instinct may already be leaning towards retirement for the horse over timber. Despite a stellar career that saw him start as the 4-11 favourite for the Champion Hurdle just eight months ago with a perfect 10-race record, Constitution Hill's decline has been steep and alarming.
The core issue appears to be a catastrophic loss of confidence at his obstacles. While schooling at Henderson's Lambourn stable has reportedly gone well, the transition to a racecourse at full speed reveals a critical split-second of indecision. Barry Geraghty, instrumental in the horse's early career, highlighted the problem to RTE, noting the difficulty of untraining such hesitation once it takes root in a horse's mind during competition.
The Padded Hurdle Debate and Statistical Defence
In searching for an explanation, Henderson pointed a finger at the padded hurdles now common on British racecourses. He described them as "horrible," suggesting they were a common factor in several high-profile errors, including State Man's mistake in the Champion Hurdle in March. Henderson's view was that these obstacles should be removed.
However, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) robustly defended the safety innovation on Monday. A spokesperson cited clear data showing a 11% reduction in falls compared to traditional birch hurdles since their phased introduction a decade ago. The overall faller rate has dropped from 1.96% in 2016 to 1.65%, with fewer injuries from splinters and skin damage. The authority argued that other changes, like the move from orange to white obstacles, have also contributed to improved safety.
Weighing Risk Against a Glorious Final Chapter
The central dilemma for connections is the risk-reward calculation. The temptation to emulate the fairytale comeback of Henderson's former star Sprinter Sacre, who won a second Champion Chase in 2016, is understandable. Cheltenham Festival racegoers adore a returning hero. Yet the circumstances differ fundamentally; Sprinter Sacre's jumping remained reliable, whereas Constitution Hill's issue is psychological and manifestly physical in its consequence.
His earlier, breathtaking jumping style was both a strength and a vulnerability, leaving little room for error. The seed of doubt planted by his first fall at Cheltenham in March now seems to dominate. As Henderson initially intuited, there is no need to attempt to write a glorious final chapter when the potential alternative ending is unthinkable. Constitution Hill's legacy as one of hurdling's greats is secure, and options on the Flat remain a possibility given his high rating over timber.
In related news, an online silent auction has been launched to support the Hunt Family Fund, established in memory of the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt. The auction, open until the evening of Thursday 11 December, offers lots including experiences at Match of the Day, Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, and a visit to Willie Mullins's stable. Proceeds will aid charities supporting young women.
