Constitution Hill, one of the best hurdlers for years, will stick to the smaller obstacles in the new jumps season. Trainer Nicky Henderson said he agreed with owner Michael Buckley and jockey Nico de Boinville it was the best route to take
Nicky Henderson said there is ‘nothing to be gained’ by running Constitution Hill in chases that aren’t the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
The trainer announced today that his superstar, unbeaten in seven races, will be staying over hurdles for the jumps season. Lambourn-based Henderson said it was a “unanimous decision” between himself, owner Michael Buckley and jockey Nico de Boinville.
It comes after the trio felt there would be stamina doubts for Constitution Hill at the Cheltenham Gold Cup distance of 3m2½f.
He said: “He would jump fences with his eyes shut, if we wanted him to, but the basis of the decision was we had to be 100 per cent sure that he would stay three and a quarter miles (in the Gold Cup).