‘Extraordinary’ Constitution Hill to pursue career on Flat

Constitution Hill will pursue “the next chapter” in Flat racing after being ruled out of this year’s Champion Hurdle and any further races over jumps.

Having won the prestigious race in 2023, one of National Hunt racing’s biggest names had been lined up for another bid for success on 10 March at the Cheltenham Festival.

But following three falls in the nine-year-old’s last four races, Constitution Hill will now focus on the Flat after a debut victory in the Road to Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell.

In a statement on X, trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley said it “was a sad day” and the decision followed “a lot of time soul searching”.

But Henderson added: “He leaves the jumping world sound [and] happy and ready for the next chapter.

Having triumphed in his first 10 races under jockey Nico de Boinville, Constitution Hill’s falls – including at Aintree and Cheltenham – had left Henderson mulling over his future.

The successful switch to Flat at Southwell last Friday showed his potential.

Starting 6-4 favourite and with five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle, the move paid off as he took to the front well before the line and held firm to win by nine-and-a-half lengths from Square Necker and Gambino.

Henderson said: “He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields.

“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.