Constitution Hill’s Comeback Delayed Due to Lameness

The acclaimed 2023 champion hurdler, Constitution Hill, who was absent from his Champion Hurdle title defence in March, is currently lame and will consequently miss his anticipated return to racing. According to trainer Nicky Henderson, the horse, whose last race was on Boxing Day last year, is improbable to compete in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle scheduled for 30 November. Following his victory in the Christmas Hurdle last year, which marked his eighth consecutive win in eight hurdle races, Constitution Hill did not participate in the rest of the season due to various factors including ground conditions, a respiratory problem, and suspected colic. During a workout at Newbury on Tuesday, where he galloped alongside stablemate Sir Gino, his performance did not meet everyone’s expectations. In a video statement shared on X, Henderson stated: “I have to report we have a problem with Constitution Hill. He’s currently lame. “This wasn’t immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday but the last 48 hours he has been sore but for what reason we are still unaware.”I’m currently investigating. This as I’m sure everybody will appreciate, is a tragic problem for us and an issue but we have to report where we are and he is still under investigation, we are trying to find the reason for it and that’s not apparent.”We will keep everybody posted but at this stage you’d have to say he’s unlikely to make it next Saturday at Newcastle but I have to stress this isn’t a retirement call. He was bright and breezy after his gallop but now we have this issue.”