Constitution Hill, the unbeaten victor of the 2023 Champion Hurdle, is currently lame and 'unlikely' to participate in next weekend’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, according to a statement from Nicky Henderson, the gelding’s trainer, posted on X on Friday.
Constitution Hill has not raced since extending his unbeaten streak to eight victories in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on December 26 last year. The news of his training setback comes after a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning, which Henderson believed would prepare the seven-year-old for action at Newcastle on November 30.
"I regret to inform that we have an issue with Constitution Hill," Henderson said. "He is currently lame. This was not immediately noticeable after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, but over the last 48 hours, he has been sore, though the cause remains unknown and we are currently investigating.
"This, as I’m sure everyone will understand, is a significant problem for us, but we must report our current situation. He is still under investigation, and we are trying to determine the reason, which is not yet clear. We will keep everyone updated, but at this stage, it seems unlikely he will make it to next Saturday at Newcastle.
"I must clarify that this is not a retirement decision; he is not retiring. He appeared lively and energetic after his gallop, but we have encountered this issue." Henderson later told Sky Sports Racing that "everything seemed fine on Wednesday, but he was lame on Thursday and remains so today and last night."
The trainer added: "He walks sound, and there is no apparent reason, so he is currently undergoing tests and examinations. It’s crucial for everyone because we want to get him back. This horse has never taken a lame step in his life. The only issues he’s faced were a dirty scope last year and colic in the spring, along with a bad gallop at Kempton in late February, but he’s never been lame, and we have no idea why.
"It might be straightforward, and I hope it is, and I hope we can fix it, repair it, and get him sound as quickly as possible. If he’s sound tonight, he’ll go to Newcastle. But I must caution that it seems unlikely, but we’ll see."
The news that Constitution Hill was a major doubt for his highly anticipated return led to a gradual shift in ante-post betting for the Fighting Fifth on Friday morning, with him being replaced as the favorite by his stable companion, Sir Dino.
Sir Dino is also among the five-day entries for the Beginners’ Chase at Kempton on Monday, a race which Henderson used to launch the chasing career of Altior, a subsequent Arkle Trophy and Champion Chase winner in 2016. The final declarations for Monday’s race will be announced on Saturday morning.
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