Henderson Keeps Constitution Hill Options Open as Flat Detour Floated

A bruised knee hasn’t bruised Nicky Henderson’s enthusiasm — and Constitution Hill could yet turn up on the Flat before any return to the Champion Hurdle conversation.

Speaking to Matt Chapman, Henderson struck an upbeat tone as he surveyed a powerful Seven Barrows squad, with Constitution Hill still very much part of the long-term picture despite recent mishaps.

“When you look through them we have a lot of horses who are near or at the top of their division,” Henderson said. “It’s exciting.”

What happens next with Constitution Hill remains one of the hottest — and most debated — topics in National Hunt racing. The superstar of the 2022 Supreme and 2023 Champion Hurdle has fallen in three of his last four outings, most recently in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on November 29.

Since that spill, the radar has been unusually quiet. However, Henderson has now offered reassurance, confirming the seven-year-old has suffered no lasting damage.

“Constitution Hill is fine, although he missed a couple of weeks when he banged a knee and was in his box,” he explained. “It didn’t really hold us up though — he just had a fat knee. We have a few ideas of what to do. He was ridden this morning.”

While a Champion Hurdle return remains on the table, Henderson is clearly intrigued by an unconventional route — a Flat run early in the new year.

“There is still a chance he will run in the Champion Hurdle but I’d love to run him on the Flat in early February,” he said. “If anyone wants to put on a Flat mile-and-a-half maiden then please let us know.”

More orthodox options do exist, but they come with complications.

“There are a couple of novice races he can go in but they are over 1m2f and for winners, which might be tricky,” Henderson added.

For now, Constitution Hill watchers will keep guessing. Flat experiment, novice detour, or straight back into the Champion Hurdle furnace — nothing is ruled out. One thing is certain: Henderson is in no rush to force the issue, and the sport’s most talented enigma remains box-office, even when standing still.