Trainer Nicky Henderson has officially announced that Constitution Hill will be absent from the upcoming Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham this month. This decision comes after an unsatisfactory scope examination.
The reigning champion hurdler, who showcased an impressive performance in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, maintaining an unbeaten streak of eight victories, had previously been considered for a second outing before the Cheltenham Festival in March. The Unibet International Hurdle, originally scheduled for the December meeting and now set for Trials day on January 27, was one of the potential options discussed by Henderson, but that will not be the case now
Constitution Hill's biggest victory came when he won the 2023 Champion Hurdle and he has also been called "one of the best hurdlers of all time."
Speaking on X Henderson, he said, "We have reluctantly decided Constitution Hill won't be able to run in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham at the end of next week,” he posted.
⚫️⚪️ Unfortunately Constitution Hill will not be able to run in the Unibet Hurdle @CheltenhamRaces next week due to an unsatisfactory scope. This does not affect any future plans beyond Trials Day. pic.twitter.com/BfmjMveijT
— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) January 15, 2024
“A routine scope last week wasn't entirely satisfactory, and a follow-up this morning shows the issue hasn't been resolved and therefore there would not be time to get him ready for next week."
Henderson has also said they will now take careful steps to ensure Constitution Hill's comeback occurs without setbacks.
"In the meantime, he will continue with light exercise, be rescheduled in a fortnight, and then start his preparation for March.
"Both Michael [Buckley] and I and all the team had very much hoped for a better result this morning so that we could run on Saturday week, but in the horse's and indeed everybody's interests, it would be foolish to do so, and this does not affect any future plans."
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