Full Breakdown
Constitution Hill Withdrawn from Champion Hurdle, Set for Flat Racing Future
2/26/2026, 3:04:34 PM
Decision to Withdraw from Champion Hurdle
Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley have confirmed that Constitution Hill will not participate in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 10, 2026. This decision follows a series of falls in three of his last four races over hurdles, raising concerns about the horse's safety and performance. The choice was made after extensive deliberation, particularly following Constitution Hill's impressive debut on the Flat at Southwell, where he won by nine and a half lengths. Henderson stated, “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.”
Background and Context
Constitution Hill, a nine-year-old gelding, has had a storied career, winning ten consecutive races before experiencing setbacks in recent outings. His notable victories include the 2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the 2023 Champion Hurdle. However, his recent performances have been marred by falls, including a significant tumble at last year's Champion Hurdle, which has led to questions about his jumping ability. Henderson emphasized the emotional weight of the decision, noting that it 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.”
Future Plans and Flat Racing Aspirations
With the decision to withdraw from the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill's future will now focus on Flat racing. Buckley has expressed ambitions for the horse to compete in prestigious events, including the Ebor at York, the Irish St Leger, and potentially the Melbourne Cup in November. Henderson remarked, “He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields.” The horse will also parade at Cheltenham on Champion Hurdle day, allowing fans to bid farewell to a beloved figure in National Hunt racing.
Official Statements & Responses
Henderson stated, “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 [de Boinville] to do it again.” He acknowledged the mixed feelings among fans, noting that public sentiment was nearly split on whether to continue with jumping or transition to Flat racing. Buckley added, “We don’t want to do something that disappoints everybody, most of all ourselves, but on the other hand, you can see how much the horse is loved and people would like to see him run.”
Criticism & Opposition
While many support the decision to prioritize Constitution Hill's well-being, some critics argue that the choice raises uncomfortable questions about the future of jump racing. They contend that if top horses are deemed too precious to risk over hurdles, it may imply a lack of confidence in the sport itself. Others believe that with proper training and adjustments, Constitution Hill could have continued to compete successfully over jumps.
What's Next
Constitution Hill's next steps will involve a full transition to Flat racing, with potential entries in major races later this year. The horse's performance at Southwell has generated excitement for his future, and he is currently favored in betting markets for upcoming Flat events. As the horse embarks on this new chapter, both Henderson and Buckley remain committed to ensuring his health and happiness in the sport.
