After winning his first two starts this season, the wheels have since come off Constitution Hill – with three defeats. Connections had then considered a recovery mission on the flat at Royal Ascot, but the news coming out of the Nicky Henderson yard is this Gold Cup idea has now been scrapped.
Constitution Hill To Be Given A Summer Break, With Royal Ascot Plans Shelved
Royal Ascot racegoers had been licking their lips at a possible match-up between the Gold Cup winner Kyprios, Constitution Hill and even this season’s St Leger winner Jan Brueghel.
However, we now know that one of those big names – Constitution Hill – WON’T be heading to Ascot on Thursday 19th June.
Instead, connections have opted to re-group and give their former Champion Hurdler a summer break. Ready for a crack at getting him back on-song for next jumps season.
Trainer Nicky Henderson told the Racing Post “He’s fine. But we’ve decided that the best decision is to give him a summer turned out now.”
Having taken tumbles at Cheltenham and Aintree, a trip to Ireland for the Punchestown Champion Hurdle was meant to get Constitution Hill back to winning ways.
But, despite being sent off as the hot 8/13 favourite, ran flat and could only manage fifth. Beaten 27 lengths by old rival State Man, who himself was on a recovery mission after a late fall in 2025 Champion Hurdle.
After his Punchestown race it’s reports Constitution Hill suffered a few grazes to his right hind cannon-bone and was sore.
He had been priced up around 20/1 for the Ascot Gold Cup, behind the current champ Kyprios. Who is on offer at 10/11 with the best horse racing betting sites.
WATCH: Constitution Hill’s Most Recent Race In Punchestown Champion Hurdle
Constitution Hill Horse Profile
- Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- Jockey: Nico de Boinville
- Owner: Michael Buckley
- Age: 8
- Runs: 13
- Wins: 10
- Grade One Wins: 8
- Career Prize Money: £881,823
