Constitution Hill to Make Final Cheltenham Appearance
2 minutes While his absence from the Champion Hurdle will be a major talking point at this year’s Festival, Constitution Hill’s legacy in the sport is already firmly secured, and his expected transition to the Flat opens an intriguing new chapter for one of racing’s most iconic modern stars.
Constitution Hill will still make a final appearance at Cheltenham Racecourse despite being ruled out of the Festival itself, marking a significant moment for one of the most celebrated horses of the modern National Hunt era.
The legendary hurdler has been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle — the race he won in unforgettable fashion in 2023 — as connections prepare him for the next phase of his career, which is expected to come on the Flat. His absence from this year’s renewal will undoubtedly be felt across the Festival, with many fans hoping to see the superstar attempt to reclaim his crown.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley reached the difficult decision following a challenging spell in which the nine-year-old suffered three falls in his last four runs over hurdles. After careful reflection, they concluded it would be unfair to ask both the horse and his regular jockey, Nico de Boinville, to return to jumping.
Henderson said in a statement last month:"
"Michael Buckley and I have not surprisingly spent a lot of time soul searching and thinking over Constitution Hill's future and have sadly concluded that he will not be running in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
"This is a sad day for a lot of us, particularly the National Hunt fraternity that would have liked to have seen Constitution Hill try to regain his crown and sad for all here, especially Nico, who has spent so much time trying to iron out our jumping issues.
"However he leaves the jumping world sound and happy and ready for the next chapter. It has been a staggering journey so far and Michael has had to endure some dark days but of course enjoyed the enormous highs and thrills of an extraordinary horse."
Henderson added:
"It was a terrific night for both him, us, and I believe British horse racing, and we are very aware of the public perception and the possible consequences of running over hurdles and feel it is not fair to ask him and Nico to do it again."
While his absence from the Champion Hurdle will be a major talking point at this year’s Festival, Constitution Hill’s legacy in the sport is already firmly secured, and his expected transition to the Flat opens an intriguing new chapter for one of racing’s most iconic modern stars.