After much speculation, Nicky Henderson has finally made a decision regarding Constitution Hill’s participation in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The future of the highly talented hurdler has been a topic of debate among racing enthusiasts.

Despite never losing over obstacles before, Constitution Hill’s fortunes took a turn when he fell during the 2025 Champion Hurdle, leading to a series of disappointing performances with three falls in his last four hurdles. To assess his options, Henderson took Constitution Hill to Southwell for a flat race over 1m4f on the all-weather track, where he impressed by winning by a significant margin in front of a record crowd of over 3,000 spectators during ITV’s Friday Night Live broadcast.

Following the Southwell victory, Henderson expressed concerns about risking Constitution Hill at Cheltenham, acknowledging the potential backlash if anything went wrong. Despite the success at Southwell causing a dilemma, Henderson described the decision as a tough ’50-50′ call, indicating that a final choice would be made after consultation with owner Michael Buckley.

The pivotal factor was Constitution Hill’s performance in a schooling session in Lambourn, which hinted at a change in his Champion Hurdle betting odds. As his chances dwindled, Henderson ultimately decided to withdraw Constitution Hill from the Cheltenham Festival, signaling a likely shift in focus from jumping to flat racing.

In a statement, Henderson and Buckley expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration received for Constitution Hill, acknowledging the difficult decision to forego the Champion Hurdle. They highlighted the horse’s potential in flat racing and emphasized the need to prioritize his well-being over racing expectations.

While the decision saddened many, especially within the National Hunt community, Henderson assured that Constitution Hill leaves the jumping world in good spirits, ready for a new chapter in his career. Cheltenham has extended an invitation for Constitution Hill to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing his fans with a final opportunity to bid farewell to the remarkable hurdler.

Constitution Hill’s impressive streak, including victories in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Champion Hurdle in 2023, marked a remarkable journey that captivated racing enthusiasts before his recent decision to transition to a new phase in his racing career.