Why is Constitution Hill not running at Cheltenham? Champion Hurdle favourite ruled out of festival

Constitution Hill will not be running at Cheltenham this year in what is a huge blow for the famous festival. 

Last year’s Champion Hurdle winner was the huge favourite to dominate once again but the seven-year-old has been ruled out. 

2

Constitution Hill has had to pull out of the festival

Trainer Nicky Henderson reluctantly revealed the news on Monday following a series of updates on the horse’s condition. 

Why is Constitution Hill not running at Cheltenham?

Constitution Hill has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival due to illness. 

Last week, Henderson announced that the horse had a poor workout and then had subsequent medical checks. 

From those checks, it was said that he was unwell and struggling due to a build-up of mucus which indicated a respiratory infection. 

Henderson admitted that it would be ‘a race against time’ to get Constitution Hill fit for the festival. 

And a few days later, blood test results showed that the horse had ‘a significant degree of inflammation’. 

That led to a reluctant statement from Henderson that he would have to withdraw Constitution Hill from racing at Cheltenham. 

He wrote: “Very sadly we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore have to declare that he will not be running this year. 

Most read in Horse Racing

2

Constitution Hill eased to victory in the Champion Hurdle last yearCredit: GETTY/Harry MurphyRupert Bell’s electric commentary of the Champions Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after Constitution Hill’s dramatic win

“Unfortunately, the all-important blood test shows that although the figures have also improved they are quite a way from being satisfactory for a horse to commence serious training and to race in a week’s time.

“There are three significant markers on the blood test, all of which have come down since Thursday’s sample but are still raised enough to indicate he has not fully recovered from whatever was ailing him. 

“The only way to continue the improvement is not to stres him and he obviously cannot run in these Olympic games if he’s not trained sufficiently. 

Cheltenham Festival offer: Get a free bet on EVERY race at the Festival with talkSPORT BET!

“This is very sad for all of us but it is in everybody’s best interests that we have a fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year.”

State Man is now the huge favourite to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham following Constitution Hill’s withdrawal. 

The big race will take place on the opening day of the festival on Tuesday, March 12. 

talkSPORT BET Offer

Bet £10 and get a free bet on EVERY Cheltenham Festival race!

CLAIM HERE

18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10+ on Horse Racing at odds of 2.00+, before 13:00 on 12/03/2024. No Cash Out. Get £1 on every Cheltenham Festival 2024 race (28x £1) on selected markets. Free bets expire on Friday at 17:30. Card/Apple Pay Payments only. Offer valid until 13:00 on 12/03/2024. T&Cs Apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly