In a devastating blow to the jumps racing season, the mighty Constitution Hill has been dramatically ruled out of his highly anticipated comeback race at Wetherby.
The unbeaten hurdling sensation, widely regarded as one of the greatest jumpers of all time, was set to make his seasonal debut in the West Yorkshire Hurdle later this month. However, trainer Nicky Henderson delivered the crushing news after the star gelding returned an unsatisfactory scope during routine training checks.
Training Setback Derails Champion's Return
The Seven Barrows stable confirmed that Constitution Hill will now miss his crucial prep race, throwing his entire early-season campaign into uncertainty. "He's scoped dirty, not sick, but dirty," Henderson explained in a social media statement that sent shockwaves through the racing community.
This development represents every trainer's nightmare scenario - discovering an issue with their stable star just as the season reaches its most critical phase. The racing world had been counting down the days until Constitution Hill's return to the track, making this setback particularly bitter for connections and fans alike.
Unbeaten Record Under Threat
Constitution Hill boasts a perfect record of seven wins from seven starts under rules, including last season's spectacular Champion Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham. His dominance has been so complete that many had already pencilled him in for back-to-back Champion Hurdle victories next March.
However, this training interruption raises serious questions about his preparation timeline. With the Wetherby engagement now abandoned, Henderson must find an alternative route to the Festival for his superstar, potentially putting additional pressure on both horse and team.
What Comes Next for the Hurdling Hero?
Racing enthusiasts are left wondering when they might next see the brilliant bay in action. The Henderson team now faces the delicate task of bringing Constitution Hill back to peak fitness without rushing the process.
"We'll have to see how he is over the coming days and weeks," Henderson stated, acknowledging the uncertainty that now clouds his stable star's immediate future. The racing world holds its breath, hoping this is merely a temporary setback rather than something more significant for the sport's brightest star.
