Nicky Henderson has put an end to speculation by making a decision on Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. There has been much debate about the future path of this highly skilled hurdler. The undefeated jumper faced a setback during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, marking a series of disappointing performances with falls in three of the last four hurdles.
In a significant turn of events, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track. Surrounded by a record crowd of over 3,000, he secured a commanding victory by nine and a half lengths, showcasing potential as a talented flat racer.
Following the Southwell win, Henderson expressed concerns about the risks involved in sending Constitution Hill to Cheltenham. Despite the positive outcome at Southwell, Henderson described the decision as a difficult one, with the final call being a 50-50 situation pending discussions with owner Michael Buckley.
A pivotal factor in the decision-making process was Constitution Hill’s performance in a planned training session in Lambourn. As the Champion Hurdle betting odds began to shift against him, it became evident that the horse would not be running at Cheltenham. Henderson eventually confirmed that Constitution Hill would not be competing in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, signaling the likely end of his jumping career to focus on flat racing.
In a statement, Henderson and Buckley acknowledged the outpouring of support and affection for Constitution Hill, expressing gratitude for the loyal fan base. While it is a somber moment for many, especially within the National Hunt community, the decision was made with the horse’s welfare in mind, paving the way for a new chapter in his career.
Constitution Hill, known for his impressive ten consecutive hurdle race wins, including victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, will be missed by fans. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, allowing supporters to bid farewell to this remarkable horse.