Constitution Hill, the undefeated champion hurdler and a star in National Hunt racing, faces uncertainty about his racing future following recent health concerns.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed that the horse is currently lame, an issue that arose after the now infamous racecourse gallop at Newbury. This has ruled him out of his intended reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. While Henderson has emphasised that this is not a retirement announcement, the lack of a clear diagnosis has sparked speculation about whether the seven-year-old gelding will race again.
This setback is the latest in a series of health challenges for Constitution Hill. His previous season was curtailed due to ground concerns, a respiratory issue, and suspected colic. These issues have limited his appearances, with his last competitive outing being a dominant win in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton in December 2023. The horse remains a favourite among fans and the racing community, but these recurring health concerns raise questions about his future competitiveness and well-being.
Henderson and the team at Seven Barrows are actively investigating the cause of his lameness and remain optimistic about resolving the issue. However, the trainer has acknowledged the frustration and emotional toll of these repeated setbacks, particularly given Constitution Hill’s extraordinary potential and unbeaten record.
While the immediate focus is on recovery, fans eagerly await updates on Constitution Hill’s condition. The latest was an announcement that it was a nerve related issue, which would have been painful seems a less significant concern.
His potential return to racing will depend on the outcome of ongoing assessments and his ability to recover fully. For now, fans and race enthusiast are left hoping that this is just another hurdle that the great champion can overcome.
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