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No Champion Hurdle Run for Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill will switch to flat racing after winning his first flat race; connections cited safety concerns following three falls in four hurdle starts, British Horseracing Authority noted.
- On Wednesday, trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed Constitution Hill was ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival after reaching a decision with owner Michael Buckley, with Henderson announcing it at lunchtime.
- With three recent falls weakening his jumping form, the British Horseracing Authority urged caution as Constitution Hill's jumping deteriorated, and jump racing animal welfare concerns influenced the decision.
- Market reaction was immediate, reshaping favourite lists and odds as The New Lion leads at 15/8 with mares Golden Ace at 9/2, Brighterdaysahead 11/4, and Lossiemouth 3/1 close behind.
- Henderson noted the strain on his jockey, saying it would be unfair to ask Nico de Boinville to do it again, while critics warned racing opponents gained ammunition to question jump racing safety.
- Moving forward, connections plan a flat campaign for the gelding after his Southwell win last Friday, with Betfair's James Mackie calling Constitution Hill's Cheltenham withdrawal huge news and a mares' entry decision due by March 10, 2026.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Constitution Hill pulls out of Cheltenham as Nicky Henderson releases emotional statement
Constitution Hill's jumping career is over after trainer Nicky Henderson made the heartbreaking call to pull the nine-year-old from next month's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left4Leaning Right4Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left, 40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 40%
C 20%
R 40%
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