Sir AP McCoy has shared his advice on the next steps for Constitution Hill, a declining jumps star. The horse, who triumphed in the 2023 Champion Hurdle and had an unblemished record in ten races under rules, faced setbacks at the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National meeting at Aintree.
Following a comprehensive evaluation during the summer, trainer Nicky Henderson believed Constitution Hill was ready for a comeback in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the horse fell at the second hurdle in the race, won by Golden Ace.
Despite the recent mishaps, Henderson has dismissed the idea of retiring Constitution Hill and is contemplating transitioning the horse to Flat racing. AP McCoy discussed the situation on William Hill’s Inside Track, emphasizing that he would persist with hurdles due to the horse’s talent and care.
On the other hand, William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty, the original purchaser of Constitution Hill, proposed exploring options for improving the horse’s jumping skills before considering a switch to Flat racing. Geraghty suggested a rehabilitation program, possibly with expert Yogi Breisner, known for innovative training methods.
The decision on Constitution Hill’s future direction remains undecided, as both McCoy and Geraghty offer differing perspectives on how best to address the horse’s recent challenges.