Nicky Henderson's Public Predicament Over Constitution Hill's Champion Hurdle Decision
Trainer Nicky Henderson is navigating a highly publicised dilemma regarding the future of star hurdler Constitution Hill, as the horse prepares for an unconventional Flat race at Southwell next week. This move comes after the nine-year-old fell in three of his last four races, raising questions about his readiness for another Champion Hurdle challenge at the Cheltenham Festival.
Unconventional Preparation Amid Recent Struggles
Speaking to talkSPORT 2, Henderson explained the rationale behind the Flat race, stating, "It'll just do him good and it will do us all good if it goes right. You can see why we are doing it, he's got to have a race." He emphasised that a mile and a half distance on the Flat would be ideal for Constitution Hill, whose work remains as strong as ever, despite the recent falls.
Henderson remains confident in the horse's ability, asserting, "I've no doubt he's still as good as he was two years ago." However, he admitted that the decision to run in the Champion Hurdle is far from settled, with "a lot of water to go under the bridge" before committing. The trainer refused to rule it in or out, focusing first on the upcoming Southwell event.
Public Pressure and Responsibility
The situation has become increasingly public, with Henderson acknowledging the divided opinions. He said, "An awful lot of people are saying 'come on Henderson, stop fussing about' and there's an awful lot saying 'how could you do it?'. That's my predicament, along with Michael Buckley (owner) and we've got to be prepared to take full responsibility."
Henderson highlighted the stakes involved, noting that if the plan succeeds, everyone will celebrate Constitution Hill's return, but if it fails, he will bear the consequences. This public scrutiny adds pressure to an already difficult decision-making process.
Training and Alternative Career Considerations
Despite the falls, Constitution Hill has been schooling well, with Henderson reporting that expert Yogi Breisner observed no issues recently. The trainer confirmed that thorough checks have revealed no problems with the horse's eyesight or confidence, leaving the cause of the falls unresolved.
Looking ahead, Henderson suggested that if the Flat racing experiment proves successful, it could open an alternative career path for Constitution Hill. However, he ruled out a potential run at Royal Ascot, explaining that the Gold Cup would be unsuitable due to ground conditions and the distance being too long for the horse.
Frustration Over Missing Top Hurdlers
Henderson expressed frustration over the absence of both Constitution Hill and Sir Gino, another top hurdler currently sidelined. He remarked, "It's just frustrating we've the two best horses but at the moment we can't run them." He believes that if both were in their prime, they would be strong favourites for major events.
As the racing community watches closely, Henderson's decisions in the coming weeks will be critical for Constitution Hill's future, balancing public expectation with the horse's welfare and competitive potential.
