‘We are going to have to admit defeat’: Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup's avatar
By
Published In News
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the Sky Bet Supreme novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham in 2022.
(Image credit: Grossick Racing)

Constitution Hill will not defend his Champion Hurdle crown at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old, who is unbeaten under Rules, performed under par during a racecourse gallop at Kempton Park a week ago. Tests and scopes have subsequently taken place and his trainer, Nicky Henderson, today said in a statement that he was going to “have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore declare that he will not be running there this year”.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
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.