Few horses in National Hunt history have generated the kind of awe that surrounds Constitution Hill, with the eight-year-old superstar seeking to cement his legacy in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this March.
Nicky Henderson’s brilliant hurdler has already etched his name into Festival folklore with a breathtaking victory in the 2023 renewal, but his path back to Prestbury Park this season has been anything but straightforward.
A series of well-documented health issues, including a colic scare and subsequent breathing operation, cast doubt over whether we would ever see the same devastating turn of foot that had previously left rivals trailing in his wake.
However, Constitution Hill has emphatically silenced his critics this season, justifying his favouritism in the Champion Hurdle odds.
His Christmas Hurdle victory at Kempton Park saw him weather a tactical storm, with Burdett Road setting a fierce early gallop before the champion asserted his class to score by two-and-a-half lengths from Willie Mullins’ highly-rated mare Lossiemouth. While that performance confirmed his well-being, it was his recent success in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham that truly showcased his resilience.
Despite a heart-stopping error at the final flight that momentarily had racing fans holding their breath, Constitution Hill’s natural ability shone through. The manner of victory may not have matched the visual splendour of his previous Festival triumph, but it demonstrated a crucial ability to overcome adversity – a trait that champions must possess.
Looking ahead to March’s showpiece, the betting suggests this could develop into a fascinating tactical battle. While Constitution Hill holds firm as the 1/2 favourite, other emerging talents like Brighterdaysahead at 2/1 add genuine intrigue to the contest.
The emergence of Brighterdaysahead has added another fascinating dimension to this year’s Champion Hurdle picture. Willie Mullins’ mare delivered a statement performance at Leopardstown that sent shockwaves through the division, demolishing a high-class field to win the Neville Hotels Hurdle by an astonishing 30 lengths.
The manner of victory was particularly eye-catching, with 4/9 favourite State Man – himself a multiple Grade 1 winner – only managing third place to throw a spanner in the works of horse racing betting.
That devastating display saw Brighterdaysahead’s odds slashed to 3/1 for the Champion Hurdle, despite earlier indications from connections that the Mares’ Hurdle would be her Festival target. Her raw talent and scope for further improvement make her a genuinely intriguing challenger to Constitution Hill’s crown, though the question remains whether her connections will pursue what would undoubtedly be a bolder strategy in pitching her against the champion rather than taking what could be considered an easier option in the Mares’ race.
Elsewhere, the improving Burdett Road, available at more attractive odds of 16/1, could reward each-way support following his eye-catching Christmas Hurdle display.
Yet the burning question remains – is Constitution Hill still the supernatural talent that had experts reaching for new superlatives two seasons ago? His preparation, though unconventional, has been carefully managed by Henderson. The decision to give him that extra run in the International Hurdle speaks volumes about the champion trainer’s confidence in his stable star’s current condition.
While questions about Constitution Hill’s absolute peak form may linger, what’s clear is that even a marginally below-par version of this exceptional hurdler sets a standard that few, if any, of his rivals can reach.
As the Festival approaches, the evidence suggests we’re witnessing the resurgence of a truly special racehorse – one whose combination of raw talent and newfound resilience could see him write another chapter in Champion Hurdle history.