Nicky Henderson: 'I Would Have Packed Up If Constitution Hill Had Got Hurt at Cheltenham'
Renowned horse trainer Nicky Henderson has made a startling admission, stating he would have "packed up" his training career if his star hurdler, Constitution Hill, had sustained an injury at the Cheltenham Festival. The 75-year-old, who has been training since 1978, described the potential consequences as "unthinkable" and said, "It would have been the end of me."
A Difficult Decision Amid National Attention
Henderson has been grappling with the future direction of Constitution Hill, the former Champion Hurdle winner who has fallen in three of his last four races. The decision became even more complex when the horse made a successful debut on the Flat at Southwell last Friday, winning an all-weather race by nine and a half lengths. Henderson called this victory "the biggest headache of my life," as it highlighted the horse's talent but also the risks involved in returning to hurdles.
Despite being a favourite for the Champion Hurdle, Henderson announced that Constitution Hill would not run at Cheltenham, citing concerns over public perception and safety. He explained, "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 choice left Henderson feeling "a bit empty," as he reflected on the end of a significant chapter in his life.
Blame Placed on White Coloured Hurdles
Henderson is convinced that the introduction of white coloured hurdles by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) last season is to blame for Constitution Hill's recent loss of form. He argued, "These hurdles, in my opinion, were the biggest culprit. They're not popular, are they?" The horse had previously won ten races in a row before encountering problems, including a fall at the fourth hurdle in the Champion Hurdle and other mishaps at Aintree and the Fighting Fifth in November.
He emphasized that Constitution Hill's performance at Southwell brought the horse to national attention, even among those who do not typically follow racing, amplifying the potential damage if things went wrong. Henderson reiterated his stance, saying, "I'd say I would have packed up. If he got hurt, oh yeah without a doubt."
Reflecting on Risks and Public Scrutiny
Henderson acknowledged that most people believe his decision to withdraw Constitution Hill was correct, stating, "We knew where the risk factor was and it was too high." He highlighted the immense pressure and scrutiny surrounding the best-known jumper in racing, noting that the consequences of an injury would have been devastating both personally and for the sport's reputation.
This revelation underscores the high stakes in professional horse training, where the welfare of the animals and the emotional investment of trainers like Henderson can lead to career-defining choices. As the racing community continues to debate the impact of hurdle changes, Henderson's candid comments shed light on the profound responsibilities faced by those at the top of the sport.
