“I’m afraid I have to report that we have a problem with Constitution Hill,” Mr Henderson said. “He’s currently lame.”
The announcement comes after the seven-year-old, owned by Michael Buckely, took part in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning and was unable to quicken to match stable companion Sir Gino under the urges of Nico de Boinville.
“This wasn’t immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, but for the last 48 hours he has been sore but for what reason we are still unaware,” said Mr Henderson. “I’m currently investigating.
“This, as I’m sure everybody will appreciate, is a tragic problem for us. We have to report where we are and he is still under investigation.
“We’re trying to find the reason for it, which is not apparent, and we will keep everybody posted, but at this stage, you’d have to say he is unlikely to make next Saturday at Newcastle.”
Constitution Hill was last seen winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park last December. This was followed by a curtailed season owing to ground concerns, a respiratory problem and then suspected colic, so the gelding, who is unbeaten under Rules, has only run five times over the past two years.
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“I have to confirm to everybody this is not a retirement call – he is not – he was bright and breezy after his gallop but we have this issue,” said Mr Henderson.
CONSTITUTION HILL ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE (GRADE 1) at CHELTENHAM 15/3/22
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
