"Constitution Hill faces an unexpected injury setback as trainer Nicky Henderson reassures fans and connections of the champion hurdler’s determination for recovery, hoping for a swift return to the track and continued success."
Nicky Henderson, the renowned trainer in National Hunt racing, has announced that Constitution Hill, the undefeated winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle, is facing an injury challenge. After encountering an unexpected issue following a gallop at Newbury earlier this week, the much-awaited return of the seven-year-old at next Saturday's BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle in Newcastle now seems 'unlikely.'
Henderson, recognized for his candid and thorough updates, voiced his concerns, stating, “I’m sorry to report that we are experiencing an issue with Constitution Hill. He is currently lame.” This setback became evident after Constitution Hill, who had galloped with his stablemate Sir Gino, was unable to accelerate as anticipated. Although this was not immediately noticeable after the gallop, the following 48 hours revealed that the gelding was exhibiting signs of discomfort. The exact cause remains unknown, and Henderson and his team are diligently working to uncover the underlying issue.
“We couldn’t pinpoint this issue immediately after the gallop at Newbury,” Henderson clarified. “He has been experiencing soreness for the last two days, but we are still unclear on the cause. We are actively looking into it.”
This injury represents yet another episode of uncertainty for the gelding, who has faced a disrupted season. Following a decisive win in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last December, his 2023/24 campaign has been plagued by various setbacks, including issues related to the ground, a respiratory problem, and suspected colic. Constitution Hill, normally a horse in excellent form, has only competed five times in the last two years—a significant contrast to the early stages of his career when he was a formidable presence in the world of hurdling.
In light of the concerning news, Henderson quickly reassured that retirement for Constitution Hill is not imminent. "I want to clarify for everyone that this does not signify a retirement announcement," the trainer stated. "He was energetic and in good spirits following the gallop, but we’ve run into this issue. We're addressing it."
As fans, stakeholders, and bettors eagerly await updates, Henderson will persist in seeking clarity regarding Constitution Hill's condition. The primary focus now is on facilitating a complete recovery for the horse before making any decisions regarding his upcoming races. With time still available, there is hope that this issue is merely a short-term setback for one of the leading figures in National Hunt racing.
