By Kieran McHugh
Nicky Henderson has ruled 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill out of the bid to regain his crown at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Henderson’s stable star had been on the drift for the race following a decisive schooling session on Wednesday morning.
In a statement on his social media accounts, Henderson said: “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 the week after next.
“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.
“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.”
Melbourne calling?
There had been a renewed hope that Constitution Hill would take his place in the Champion Hurdle following a nine-length demolition job, on the flat All-Weather surface, at Southwell last Friday.
However, the manner of his success posed more questions than answers, with many suggesting that he could now have a career on the flat.
Henderson seemed to confirm that the former champion hurdler will take on a new challenge in the other code but says the decision was not an easy one.
“He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields,” said Henderson.
“I would like to thank the thousands of Constitution Hill supporters and admirers that have shared their sentiments with us and advice on how we should proceed, and I would have to say the poll was as near 50/50 as you could get.”
The decision blows open the Champion Hurdle picture as the 2023 victor was at the head of the market.
Dan Skelton’s charge, The New Lion, now leads the market ahead of the two Irish mares, Brighterdayshead and Lossiemouth.
Last year’s victor Golden Ace settles in just behind those.
As for Constitution Hill’s future targets, they are yet to be decided but connections are not without their suggestions – with the Henry II Stakes at Sandown on the list, along with owner Michael Buckley’s dream of the Melbourne Cup.
Farewell to the king
Racing fans will still be treated to Constitution Hill at this year’s festival, with Henderson confirming that Cheltenham have invited him to parade on the Tuesday, allowing him to bid farewell to the ground which he once ruled.
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SportJustSport writers