Constitution Hill's Absence from the Champion Hurdle Explained
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the Unibet Champion Hurdle as the headline event on day one, but a legendary former winner will be notably absent from the race. Constitution Hill, the superstar who triumphed in 2023, will not be competing this year, marking a significant shift in his racing career.
Why Constitution Hill Is Not Running
Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley officially ruled Constitution Hill out of the Champion Hurdle last month, following a series of disappointing schooling sessions and three falls in his last four starts over jumps. They concluded that it was "not fair" to the horse to continue over hurdles given his loss of confidence, effectively retiring him from National Hunt racing. This decision ends his jumps career, which had been highlighted by spectacular victories, including his 2023 Champion Hurdle win.
Constitution Hill's New Career on the Flat
While he won't be jumping, the nine-year-old has embarked on a sensational new path in Flat racing. Recently, he made a stunning debut at Southwell, winning a 1.5-mile novice race by nearly 10 lengths. His connections are now targeting a high-profile Flat campaign for 2026, with ambitious long-term goals such as the Melbourne Cup being mentioned. This transition showcases his versatility and potential for success in a different racing discipline.
Special Appearance at Cheltenham
Despite his withdrawal from the race, Constitution Hill will still be present at Cheltenham on Tuesday. He has been invited to parade in front of the stands before the Champion Hurdle, allowing his National Hunt fans to give him a formal "goodbye" before his permanent switch to the Flat. This gesture provides an opportunity for supporters to celebrate his achievements and wish him well in his new career.
UK TV and Streaming Coverage
Live free-to-air coverage of the Cheltenham Festival is provided by ITV1, with the dedicated broadcast starting at 12.45pm. For more in-depth analysis earlier in the day, The Opening Show airs on ITV4 from 9am to 10am. Viewers can stream the race live and for free via the ITVX app or website, provided they have a valid UK TV licence. Additionally, many betting apps, such as Paddy Power or Sky Bet, offer a "Watch Live" feature if users have a funded account or have placed a minimum bet on the race.
Radio Coverage and Race Form
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra provides commentary of every race at the Festival, with coverage beginning at 1pm. Listeners can tune in via DAB digital radio or the BBC Sounds app. In terms of form and favourites, the Champion Hurdle is wide open this year. The New Lion, with a near-perfect record this season and a massive reputation from the Dan Skelton yard, leads the field. He faces stiff competition from the mare Brighterdaysahead, who recently beat Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle to cement her status as a top-tier contender.
Current Odds and Notable Runners
The New Lion is the current market leader at approximately 11-4, closely followed by Brighterdaysahead at 3-1. Other notable runners in the betting include surprise 2025 winner Golden Ace, priced at 7-1. This competitive lineup ensures an exciting race, even without the presence of Constitution Hill, as fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of this prestigious event.
