Tag Archive for: Champion Hurdle

Henderson firmly set on Irish raid with Constitution Hill

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Nicky Henderson remains keen to head to the Punchestown Festival with Constitution Hill after reporting his stable star to be none the worse following his dramatic fall in Tuesday’s Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The eight-year-old was a red-hot favourite to regain his title in the Cheltenham Festival’s opening day feature, but crashed out at the fifth obstacle in the hands of Nico de Boinville.

Constitution Hill galloped on riderless and was described as “bright and breezy” in the immediate aftermath by his trainer, who provided a further update on Wednesday.

Henderson said: “He was fine this morning and ate up fine. There was a close-up of him galloping up the hill and jumping the last yesterday and he was heading for Lambourn!

“The idea would be to go to Punchestown, it has to be – it’s the obvious race to go for.”

If Constitution Hill does line up in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on May 2, he could well renew rivalry with the Willie Mullins-trained State Man.

The chestnut has landed the Grade One in each of the past two seasons and following Constitution Hill’s shock exit, he looked set to successfully defend his Champion Hurdle crown until he too took a tumble at the final obstacle.

State Man as Golden Ace goes on to win the Champion Hurdle
Paul Townend falls from State Man as Golden Ace goes on to win the Champion Hurdle (Adam Davy/PA)

Despite being “sore”, State Man was deemed fit enough to return to Ireland on Tuesday night and Mullins does not expect him to be out of action for too long.

He said: “State Man is fine. He’s got a sore shoulder, but he’s been out in the paddock all day at home. He’s a little bit sore and he’ll be like that for a few days, but hopefully that’s all that’s wrong – a bit of bruising. He appears fine from all accounts.

“That is what we think (he can run again this spring). You’d think he’ll be all right in a week, but you never know, in a week’s time he could still be sore.

“He’s been checked by three vets here and our own vet at home and they’re all happy that it’s just bruising, so we’ll see.”

The big disappointment of those that completed the Champion Hurdle was Gordon Elliott’s mare Brighterdaysahead, who finished a weary fourth.

Elliott said on Wednesday: “She’s a bit stiff and sore behind, but basically she is OK.”



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Henderson and Mullins left to reflect in disbelief at Champion Hurdle drama

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Just when you think you have seen it all, the 2025 Unibet Champion Hurdle threw the cruellest of spanners in the works, with the last two winners of the Cheltenham Festival’s opening day feature – Constitution Hill and State Man – suffering unexpected falls.

The majority of those in attendance at Prestbury Park were willing on Nicky Henderson’s former champion Constitution Hill, who was the well-backed 1-2 favourite to become only the third horse to regain the crown and extend his unbeaten record to 11.

However, having travelled with his customary enthusiasm and let fly at a couple of early obstacles, the eight-year-old ultimately paid the price at the fifth, with the packed grandstands letting out a collective gasp as he and Nico de Boinville crashed to the ground.

Thankfully, Constitution Hill was soon back on his feet and continued before being caught and returned to the unsaddling enclosure.

When asked how he could sum up what had happened, Henderson said: “You think of the first word that comes into your head and it would probably be the same as mine. I don’t know, what can you say?

“He seems fine, he’s very bright and breezy. He hasn’t had a race, obviously, and we’ll just have to think of a plan.

“We thought we had him right, he’s been in terrific form, but there you go – it happens. Poor old State Man as well, you couldn’t believe those two silly old fools have gone and done what they’ve done today.”

Henderson has won the Champion Hurdle more than anyone, with nine previous victories, and knows there is no margin for error in the jumping department when the heat is on.

He added: “When you’re jumping as fast as they jump, you’ve got to get it deadly accurate. You’d like to see the replay of it, but it doesn’t really matter what he did. I can’t take it out of his vocabulary, they will do these silly things.

“Somebody said the hurdle swung back into him. He was having a lovely time and he’s run two miles even if he didn’t have Nico on his back and he’s come back in here very fresh.

“It’s tough, but we have to live with it. We know what we’re playing with and that’s the game – you have to take these things. It’s just typical it’s on a day like this.

“So now what do we do? I know what we’ll do, surely there’ll be a rather fun day in Punchestown now.”

With Henderson’s ace gone and Gordon Elliott’s well-fancied mare Brighterdaysahead seemingly a spent force from the home turn, the stage looked set for last year’s winner State Man – no match for Constitution Hill in 2023 – to successfully defend his crown.

The chestnut was home for all money under Paul Townend when he took off too far from the last hurdle.

“State Man had the race in the bag and I can’t say we would have won, that would be stupid,” Henderson went on.

“But everything was going great and it is cruel as we waited two years to get him back here.”

Constitution Hill’s owner Michael Buckley was similarly despondent. After giving his pride and joy a consolatory carrot, he said: “It’s a crock of s***, that’s what it is. I’m sorry, I sound like Donald Trump, but I can’t think of a better way to describe it.

“It is pretty painful to be honest. It makes you want to cry, but I’m trying not to.”

State Man’s trainer Willie Mullins was magnanimous in defeat, after scenes reminiscent of Annie Power in the 2015 Mares’ Hurdle.

He said: “He’s a little bit sore and got a bang on the head I think when he was getting up, but he cantered away and trotted up sound, so we’re happy enough with him. The vets have examined him and they’ve said he’s fine to travel home this evening – that’s good news.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s racing and that’s what makes winning over here so hard, you never know when something like that is going to happen.

“You’ve really got to choose the right horse for any race here and you make plenty of plans, but you couldn’t have imagined that – two Champion Hurdle winners falling.

“The only thing stranger would have been if Lossiemouth was in there, she would probably have been brought down! You never know what’s going to happen and that’s why bookmakers drive bigger cars than us.”

Brighterdaysahead at Cheltenham
Brighterdaysahead at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

Gordon Elliott was left struggling to explain the performance of Brighterdaysahead, who passed the post a tired fourth.

“To be honest with you she was well beaten even with nearly getting brought down at the last,” said the Cullentra House handler.

“Jack (Kennedy) said when he asked her she never picked up at all and she normally picks up. Jack said she whinnied crossing the line, so that would be a worry and we’ll have to get her checked out and see how she is. She was very distressed.

“You couldn’t say they went too fast, but we’ll get her checked out and see how she is.

“I’m not sure you could say it’s a Cheltenham thing, as she just didn’t finish her race. Last year she finished her race, but today she was walking going to the last and she didn’t run her race.”



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Golden Ace takes full advantage of scarcely believable Champion Hurdle

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Golden Ace was a shock winner of an incredible Unibet Champion Hurdle, in which both Constitution Hill and State Man crashed out – the latter clear as he jumped the last in front.

Constitution Hill departed relatively early on in the Cheltenham showpiece and it was Brighterdaysahead who looked set to battle it out with State Man up the hill, but Willie Mullins’ defending champion came down at the final flight, just as he looked set to run out an emphatic winner. Brighterdaysahead was subsequently hampered, although she did look beaten at the time.

It was left then to the Jeremy Scott-trained Golden Ace, who did not falter when the opportunity was handed to her and carried Lorcan Williams to victory at 25-1. Burdett Road (66-1) took the runner-up spot.

Scott said of his Ian Gosden-owned winner, who was triumphing at the showcase meeting for the second time after winning last year’s mares’ novices’ hurdle: “I couldn’t even dream that would happen. I’ve just asked someone to thump me because I must be dreaming, it is just bizarre.

“It’s a tragedy those horses came down and it spoilt the race entirely, we looked booked for second if not third but then State Man came down so it is marred by that, but the gods have favoured us.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 – Champion Day – Cheltenham Racecourse
Golden Ace gallops past Paul Townend after his fall from State Man at the last (Adam Davy/PA)

“My owner was not at loggerheads (with me) because he pays the bills, but he was very keen to have a runner in the Champion Hurdle and we thought we could nick a bit of prize-money and we didn’t think we could beat Lossiemouth (in the Mares’ Hurdle) – it’s extraordinary how things work out.

“She is unbeaten here so she obviously likes the track. It’s interesting Willie tends not to run his mares much before Christmas so maybe that might be the way to go next year.

“Winning the Champion Hurdle is brilliant for the whole team, it’s amazing.”

Both Constitution Hill and State Man were reported none the worse, as were jockeys Nico de Boinville and Paul Townend.

Scott added: “I haven’t taken in it yet and I hope the other two are OK, it was such an odd race.

Lorcan Williams and Golden Ace return victorious
Lorcan Williams and Golden Ace return victorious (David Davies/PA)

“This race wasn’t my initial thought, but it’s a horse race and anything can happen.”

A proud Gosden said of the decision to run in the Champion rather than the Mares’ Hurdle: “He who dares, wins, Rodney!

“You’ve got to be in it to win it, haven’t you? I watched every race Lossiemouth has ever had and she has never come off the bridle against a mare, the only time she has was against Constitution Hill.

“So I just thought we may as well go for it.

“Jeremy and his whole team do a superb job and this mare is something special.

“This, winning a Champion Hurdle, is beyond my dreams. Last year I was quite happy, winning at the Festival for the first time and now I’ve done this. I’ll have to come back next year now, won’t I!

“I think she might go up a bit in the weights!”

Williams could not believe he had just won the Champion Hurdle. He said: “Literally, I cannot believe it. She wasn’t travelling as well as I wanted in the latter part of the race; all I was thinking was that we could do with a bit further, then I thought ‘we’re staying on well for second’ and things started to happen.

“I hope they’re all right (fallers) – they’re iconic horses – but we were there to pick up the pieces. I’m absolutely thrilled for the Jeremy Scott team; it’s a massive team effort to come here and I’m lost for words as to what a pleasure it is to get it done.

“Fair play to the owner – we were pushing for the Mares’ Hurdle massively, but I got his point of view from the sense that we could go for the mares’ next year because she’d be a little bit older and would see the trip out.

“I promise you, I did not know what to expect and nothing compares to how I am feeling now. I hope this day will never end. I’m shell-shocked – every time I have come here and got a winner, it’s been a dream come true for me.”



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D-day for Brighterdaysahead in Champion Hurdle

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Gordon Elliott is confident Brighterdaysahead has what it takes to serve it up to Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Not many would have had the Gigginstown House Stud-owned mare down as a genuine contender for the two-mile crown in the autumn, but back-to-back defeats of Willie Mullins’ reigning champion State Man – and in particular her 30 length demolition job at Leopardstown over Christmas – put her right in the mix.

After toying with the idea of taking the perceived easier option of the Mares’ Hurdle, connections confirmed last week they would roll the dice and bid for Champion Hurdle glory with a six-year-old who is held in the highest esteem by her trainer.

“I’m not going to say she’s the best I’ve trained because I’d be telling you a lie, but she knows how to win and that’s what you want, isn’t it?,” said the Cullentra House handler.

“She’s been good over two and a half miles, but was impressive the last day over two miles.

“I just decided to miss the Irish Champion Hurdle because we started off early in Down Royal and we’ve had three runs, so we didn’t need to have four before Cheltenham. I just thought I’d freshen her up.

“I always thought she was very good and I always said from day one what I thought of her.”

Gordon Elliott (right) with Brighterdaysahead at Leopardstown
Gordon Elliott (right) with Brighterdaysahead at Leopardstown (Damien Eagers/PA)

Brighterdaysahead has been beaten only once in 10 outings to date and that was at last year’s Festival when third behind the reopposing Golden Ace as an odds-on favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Elliott has no track concerns, though, as he blames himself for that defeat.

He added: “She only had one blip and that was in Cheltenham last year and that was my fault because I said to Jack (Kennedy) ‘don’t set the race up for Paul Townend (riding Jade De Grugy)’ and Willie probably said the same thing to Paul. The two of them seemed to look at each other and something went by both of them like a bullet.

“I always go back to what Jack Kennedy said to me, that she doesn’t quicken she just gallops. She’s got a cruising speed and when she gets into it it’s hard to stop her – she’s a relentless galloper I suppose would be the term to use.”

While no match for Constitution Hill two years ago, State Man did emerge victorious in his absence last season and is back to defend his title.

State Man (left) winning last year's Champion Hurdle
State Man (left) winning last year’s Champion Hurdle (Mike Egerton/PA)

The chestnut suffered successive defeats to Brighterdaysahead before winning his third Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month, but how much can be garnered from that victory is questionable given his stablemate Lossiemouth crashed out four flights from home.

Mullins has decided to fit his charge with cheekpieces for his return to the Cotswolds, telling Racing TV at Cheltenham on Monday morning: “I just put them on him last week during work and we were very happy with it.

“He’s an older horse who has been running since he was three and he’s lazy, isn’t he? When Lossiemouth fell (at Leopardstown) he didn’t do anything, he just thought he wasn’t in a race.

“He was always laid-back and only ever beats what he has to beat – he never goes and wins by 10 lengths. He’s a horse with a lot more ability I think than people think he has, so we’ll find out.”

Golden Ace winning last year's Mares Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham
Golden Ace winning last year’s Mares Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (David Davies/The Jockey Club)

Jeremy Scott could easily have taken the Mares’ Hurdle option with his stable star Golden Ace, but connections have ultimately decided to shoot for Champion Hurdle glory.

After beating Brighterdaysahead 12 months ago, the seven-year-old plundered a Listed prize in April and while she was beaten on her first two starts of the current campaign, she returned to winning form with victory over the reopposing Burdett Road in last month’s Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

Scott subsequently revealed Golden Ace had suffered a minor muscle injury in that Grade Two contest, but is confident she is fully tuned up for her return to Prestbury Park.

He said: “I’m very happy with her. We’re going in relatively as good as I could have her actually, so I’m delighted with her.

“The way she went about it (Wincanton) was not the manner I thought she would, so all she looked to do that day was gallop and stay and didn’t look to have a lot of pace.

“Slight trepidation in that they are going to go a very good gallop, but I’m hoping on good ground that cruising speed will return to her on that sort of ground.

“The decision came down to the owner. He desperately wanted to have a runner in the Champion Hurdle. He believes the best form has been over two miles and we should give her the opportunity.”



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Henderson backing Constitution Hill to make Champion point

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Nicky Henderson is pleased it is time for the talking to stop and the action to unfold as Constitution Hill looks to silence any remaining doubters by regaining his crown in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

The Seven Barrows superstar looked unbeatable when winning the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by 22 lengths and was similarly dominant when dismissing State Man by nine in the Champion Hurdle the following year.

There have been a few bumps in the road since, with a lung infection ruling him out of a Festival defence 12 months ago, but he has returned this winter with further triumphs in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the Unibet Hurdle on Festival Trials day in January to extend his unblemished record to 10.

Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill
Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill (Adam Davy/PA)

Some still question whether Nico de Boinville’s mount can possibly as good as he was a couple of seasons ago, but Henderson’s faith is unshakeable.

“He’s done everything right and, touch wood, we have had a relatively uncomplicated prep and here we go. We’re nearly at the time where it’s in his and Nico’s hands and what will be will be,” he said.

“It’s going to be tough because the Irish are going to take us on all week and they’re not coming for the fun of it.

“I’m pretty happy he is the same as what he always was, I know some people don’t think he is but I don’t see why. Everyone is happy and his schooling the other day was brilliant.”

Constitution Hill was a 1-12 favourite for his latest visit to Cheltenham in late January and duly obliged, although he gave his many supporters a heart-stopping moment at the final flight.

Henderson admitted he was feeling the nerves heading to Prestbury Park that day, adding: “I wasn’t that fussed at Kempton to be honest with you because I thought he could get beaten, but from my point of view I hated Cheltenham the other day – jeepers creepers, that absolutely killed me!

“It was sort of a no-win situation because he had to be very good, which he was, although he kept everyone on their toes by trying to destroy a hurdle!

“It does put the pressure on us a little bit, but he was great and certainly enjoyed himself.”

The eight-year-old enjoyed a hero’s welcome on his return to the winner’s enclosure in January and there are likely to be even greater scenes if he can become only the third horse to regain the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday after Comedy Of Errors and Hurricane Fly.

Constitution Hill and Nico de Boinville at the Cheltenham Festival
Constitution Hill and Nico de Boinville at the Cheltenham Festival (Tim Goode/PA)

Henderson said: “He got a great reception after the Unibet Hurdle, which shows National Hunt racing in a great light and to be fair, the crowd at Kempton was fantastic as well. I think they were pleased to see him back, weren’t we all?

“At Cheltenham, the last time I saw that sort of crowd was in Sprinter Sacre’s day and that is a very, very special thing.

“It’s great for National Hunt racing, people do love these horses, and it just shows that while a five-runner race with a 1-12 shot for some people is a tragedy, for most people it was something fantastic.”



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Lossiemouth sidesteps Constitution Hill Champion Hurdle clash

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Constitution Hill will face six rivals in the Unibet Champion Hurdle after Lossiemouth was rerouted to the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins will rely on defending champion State Man and rank outsider Winter Fog.

Gordon Elliott’s star mare Brighterdaysahead will go up against the boys and be accompanied by stablemate King Of Kingsfield, who acted as a pacemaker for her spectacular Neville Hotels Hurdle success at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The Jeremy Scott-trained Golden Ace beat Brighterdaysahead in last year’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and will renew that rivalry.

James Owen’s two-time course winner Burdett Road completes the line-up.



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Brighterdaysahead clash will show Constitution Hill at his best, says Buckley

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Owner Michael Buckley has welcomed the presence of Brighterdaysahead and is confident Constitution Hill will silence the doubters when he bids to regain his crown in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

So brilliant in the Festival’s opening day feature in 2023, he looked set to dominate the division for years to come but was unable to defend his title 12 months ago after a bitterly disappointing public gallop at Kempton, which was put down to a lung infection, and a subsequent bout of colic, ended his season.

Plenty wondered whether Nicky Henderson’s charge would ever return, but he was back with a bang when landing his second Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, and bar a heart-stopping error at the final flight, his most recent triumph in the Unibet Hurdle on Cheltenham Trials day was as straightforward as it gets.

Despite the fact Constitution Hill is now unbeaten in 10 starts, some have questioned whether he can still be at the peak of his powers. Buckley, though, has come out fighting.

“I’m nervous like I always am, (but) I’m looking forward to it in many ways,” he told Sky Sports Racing on Friday.

“I think the horse, so long as he’s in the shape on Tuesday that he is now, he’s got a great chance, but inevitably I’m nervous, particularly after what happened last year.

“This year I think the horse is in great form, Nicky’s delighted with him and, more importantly, I went down a couple of days ago to see him do his last school and the horse thinks he’s in great shape, which is a good thing.”

The eight-year-old received a hero’s welcome following his recent visit to the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure in late January, and Buckley is expecting him to bring the house down if he can repeat the feat early next week.

Michael Buckley is confident Constitution Hill is better than ever
Michael Buckley is confident Constitution Hill is better than ever (John Walton/PA)

He added: “With all the cheering around the winner’s enclosure, Nicky turned to me and said ‘I haven’t heard anything like this since Sprinter Sacre made his comeback’. He has got a hell of a following.

“It’s really touching how much people love him and I suppose that will be accentuated a bit on Tuesday, if things go well, because he had last year off.

“Brits love a comeback kid, not that he’s structurally had anything wrong, he just had a really savage lung infection, but it was a pretty horrible experience watching that gallop (at Kempton) last year, although thank God we did it because if we hadn’t he might have gone in that state to Cheltenham and run in the Champion Hurdle and been ruined forever.”

Constitution Hill is set to face a potent new rival in the form of Brighterdaysahead, who left last year’s Champion Hurdle hero State Man trailing in her wake on her most recent appearance at Leopardstown over Christmas.

But rather than being concerned, Buckley feels the presence of Gordon Elliott’s exciting mare, and her apparent pacesetting stablemate King Of Kingsfield, will actually benefit his pride and joy.

“We’ll wait and see. I could be wrong in my views, but I don’t think there is a jumps horse around that will get him out of his comfort zone, in terms of being at his cruising speed,” Buckley continued.

“I looked at the field earlier in the week and I wasn’t sure where the pace was going to come from if she (Brighterdaysahead) didn’t run with her pacemaker, so I’m delighted about that.

“I think if Brighterdaysahead runs as she has done lately she’ll give us a good lead and the other thing is for me, if we are lucky enough to win, I wouldn’t want to have to read how it would all have been different if Brighterdaysahead had been in the field.

“We have what appears to be the best hurdler in Ireland right now, on the form with State Man and so forth, so it’s going to be the best field that anybody could put together and maybe people will start to appreciate Constitution Hill a bit more if he manages to win.”

While Buckley has been lucky enough to own several top-class horses, including a Queen Mother Champion Chase winner in Finian’s Rainbow, there is no doubt Constitution Hill is his horse of a lifetime and one he is passionate to defend.

He said: “I’ve been a bit vociferous, I suppose, after constantly reading about how he’s in decline and can’t be within 10lb of what he was. Nobody has got any evidence to support that view, it’s just chit-chat and a view and they might be right, but they could also be wrong as he might be better than he was – nobody knows.

“I actually think he might be better than he was. I think he’s more mature and is taking his races better – that I can absolutely guarantee.

“He was always an enthusiastic goer in his races, but there is something about the way he gallops now that is just a little bit different, so we’ll see.

“Maybe I’m going to be wrong, but I might be right!”



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Constitution Hill fever reminiscent of the halcyon days of Istabraq

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Charlie Swan described Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill as a “freak”, as he reflected on his own great days at the Cheltenham Festival aboard the imperious Istabraq.

Owned by JP McManus and trained by an at the time emerging Aidan O’Brien, Istabraq would win four times at National Hunt racing’s spring showpiece.

His first success at Prestbury Park came in the 1997 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, but over the following three years he would prove unstoppable in the Champion Hurdle, as he joined the likes of See You Then, Persian War, Hatton’s Grace and Sir Ken on the elite list of three-time winners.

Istabraq had barely broken sweat in his previous two Champion Hurdle triumphs by the time he was sent off the 8-15 favourite for his hat-trick bid 25 years ago.

Istabraq set the Cheltenham ball rolling when winning the SunAlliance as a novice hurdler
Istabraq set the Cheltenham ball rolling when winning the SunAlliance as a novice hurdler (Barry Batchelor/PA)

However, there was a late scare on the eve of the contest after the discovery of a trickle of blood coming from one of Istabraq’s nostrils, something which had connections pondering on their next move.

The decision was made to allow the son of Sadler’s Wells his shot at Cheltenham immortality and the rest was history, as he once again proved he was the undoubted hurdling superstar of his generation, returning to unforgettable scenes.

“It was exceptional to win it for the third time and it was a great performance,” said Swan, reflecting on Istabraq’s four-length success over Hors La Loi III in 2000.

“He won all of his Champion Hurdles really easily and I didn’t have to hit him in any of them, which is amazing really.

Aidan O’Brien back in the Istabraq days
Aidan O’Brien back in the Istabraq days (Barry Batchelor/PA)

“You were always under a bit of pressure when riding a horse like him, but it was always really exciting and you always looked forward to riding him.

“It goes without saying that it was a bit of a relief when he won that third time, because everyone thought he would win so easily. But it was great times and to do it for the McManus family was brilliant. JP is such a great guy and Aidan is obviously such a brilliant trainer, it was a great time.”

It was felt by many that Constitution Hill was on the road to joining Istabraq on the list of multiple-time Champion Hurdle winners after he first took home the hurdling blue riband in 2023.

A setback derailed Constitution Hill’s title defence and in turn any chance of following in Istabraq’s footsteps and winning the contest for three straight years.

Charlie Swan is cheered by a packed crowd following Istabraq's third Champion Hurdle
Charlie Swan is cheered by a packed crowd following Istabraq’s third Champion Hurdle (Barry Batchelor/PA)

But Swan sees similarities between two of the very best to grace the two-mile hurdling division and is backing Nicky Henderson’s superstar to regain his crown.

He said: “He’s a bit of a freak Constitution Hill, it’s always hard to win a Champion Hurdle but he has every chance of winning another.

“I think he is a very good jumper and he would jump pretty similar to Istabraq – he’s brave and takes on his hurdles.

“There will be a strong challenge from Ireland. Brighterdaysahead, Lossiemouth and State Man are going to be tough opponents and it would be great if they all turned up, hopefully they will.

“It will be a great race and I wish all the best of luck to Michael Buckley (owner) and Nicky Henderson, it would be great for them to see Constitution Hill win it again.”

Scenes reminiscent of Istabraq after Constitution Hill's Champion Hurdle
Scenes reminiscent of Istabraq after Constitution Hill’s Champion Hurdle (Tim Goode/PA)

Swan had delayed his own retirement to continue his long and fruitful association with Istabraq, with the duo combining 29 times over hurdles and coming out on top on 23 occasions.

The foot and mouth crisis put paid to the pair’s quest for an unprecedented fourth Champion Hurdle success in 2001, while his swansong in the 2002 renewal ended before the third flight of hurdles, with the 2-1 favourite swiftly pulled up lame.

It will always be hard to forget those triumphant afternoons in the Cotswolds for all connected and Swan has nothing but the fondest of memories of his time in the saddle aboard his greatest ally.

He continued: “It was definitely a privilege to be involved with Istabraq, he was an easy horse to ride and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Riding a horse like him and with his profile was just brilliant.

“He is the sort of once-in-a-lifetime horse that you never really appreciate until afterwards, they are hard horses to come across.

“It was great to win all those races for JP and Noreen and their family – and for Aidan as well, it was great to be riding for him at the time and it was a real honour.”



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Constitution Hill heads eight-strong Champion Hurdle confirmation list

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Constitution Hill will face a maximum of seven rivals when he bids to regain his crown in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Tuesday.

Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten superstar was sidelined and unable to to defend his title 12 months ago, but will return to the Cotswolds next week as a hot favourite, having returned from a year off the track seemingly as good as ever.

Willie Mullins is set to saddle last year’s winner State Man, top-class mare Lossiemouth and Winter Fog.

State Man is fresh from winning his third Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, a race in which Lossiemouth suffered a crashing fall. The latter had previously finished second to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and is poised to renew rivalry.

Further spice is added by the presence of Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead, who has beaten State Man in her last two races and had him trailing 31 lengths in her wake when registering a scintillating victory at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Elliott has also confirmed King Of Kingsfield, who set the early pace at Leopardstown before dropping back to finish fifth.

The small but select field is completed by Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace and the James Owen-trained Burdett Road, who finished first and second respectively in last month’s Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

Golden Ace inflicted a first and so far only defeat on Brighterdaysahead when landing the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival and could take her on again, although connections have stated they are leaning towards running in the Mares’ Hurdle on the same afternoon.

Burdett Road is a dual winner at Cheltenham and proved he is up to competing at the highest level when third behind Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He was being considered for a shot at the County Hurdle on Gold Cup day but connections have now reverted to their original idea of taking a shot at the day one feature.

“We’re probably going to go to the Champion Hurdle with Burdett Road and having looked at the confirmations I think he deserves his place,” said Tim Gredley of owners the Gredley family.

“He might not win the race, but he deserves to be in that kind of race and we will swing the bat and see what happens.

“It was James’ (Owen, trainer) idea and he said to me this morning it’s up to you and I do think it could be the right call.”



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Elliott: Brighterdaysahead Champion Hurdle bid ‘good for racing’

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Brighterdaysahead is firmly on course for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at next week’s Cheltenham Festival after delighting trainer Gordon Elliott in a post racing workout at Leopardstown.

The Cullentra House handler confirmed on Monday morning that his star mare would go up against the boys in the opening day feature at Prestbury Park, rather than take the perceived easier option of the Mares’ Hurdle on the same card.

Brighterdaysahead was one of several Elliott-trained runners bound for Cheltenham to stretch their legs after the final National Hunt meeting of the season at Leopardstown and looked the part as she passed the post in front of several stablemates under the returning Jack Kennedy.

“Brighterdaysahead, very happy. She looked brilliant and galloped very well,” Elliott said afterwards.

“It’s good for the public that she’s going for the Champion Hurdle and we’re very happy.

“We’re going there with a live chance, I think it’s good for racing and it will be one of the races of the week, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Others to strut their stuff at the Foxrock circuit included Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender Romeo Coolio, the defending Stayers’ Hurdle champion Teahupoo and Found A Fifty, who looks set to throw his hat in the Queen Mother Champion Chase ring.

Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy winning last year's Stayers' Hurdle
Teahupoo and Jack Kennedy winning last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle (David Davies/The Jockey Club)

Elliott added: “Romeo Coolio I was happy with, I thought Firefox worked well and Kala Conti and Ndaawi both worked well.

“I was very happy with Wodhooh and The Yellow Clay and Found A Fifty actually worked well and will probably run in the Champion Chase. At a massive price, he could have an each-way chance.

“Teahupoo I was very happy with and The Wallpark worked very well. Ballybow galloped and Galvin and Better Days Ahead I was very happy with. All the bumper horses galloped well, too.

“The two horses jumped over fences, Dee Capo and Stellar Story, and both of them jumped well.”

Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill at Cheltenham
Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill at Cheltenham (Damien Eagers/PA)

Brighterdaysahead has been beaten just once in her 10-race career and will head for the Cotswolds after notching back-to-back Grade One victories in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November and Leopardstown’s Neville Hotels Hurdle at Christmas.

She beat last year’s Champion Hurdle hero State Man by three-quarters of a length on the first occasion and that rival was left toiling in December, as Brighterdaysahead had him over 31 lengths away in third.

Elliott and owner Gigginstown House Stud had been left with a dilemma regarding her Festival target, but in a statement posted on www.gordonelliottracing.com, the trainer said: “I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“After talking it over with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary), we decided that we would take up the option of the Champion Hurdle.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a huge test for the mare but she’s in great shape, her preparation has gone superbly and she’s in great order.

“We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle and it is great to have a challenger for one of National Hunt racing’s most iconic races, so it’s something we are greatly looking forward to.”

Constitution Hill during a racecourse gallop at Kempton last week
Constitution Hill during a racecourse gallop at Kempton last week (Adam Morgan/PA)

Coral clipped Brighterdaysahead to 2-1 second favourite from 9-4 for the Champion Hurdle, with Constitution Hill heading the market at 8-13, having been eased slightly from 1-2 following the news that Elliott’s mare will run.

Lossiemouth is next best on the list at 4-1, although she is now the 4-6 favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle in Brighterdaysahead’s absence.

“Brighterdaysahead absolutely deserves her place in this year’s Champion Hurdle field, so credit to her connections for opting to take on the challenge. She’s the clear second favourite for the race, and while Constitution Hill remains odds-on to regain his crown, the presence of the mare has undoubtedly made his task harder,” said the firm’s David Stevens.



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Brighterdaysahead confirmed for Champion Hurdle bid

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Brighterdaysahead will contest the Unibet Champion Hurdle at next week’s Cheltenham Festival.

The Gordon Elliott-trained mare has been beaten just once in her 10-race career and will head to Prestbury Park after notching back-to-back Grade One victories in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November and Leopardstown’s Neville Hotels Hurdle at Christmas.

She beat last year’s Champion Hurdle hero State Man by three-quarters of a length on the first occasion and that rival was left toiling in December, as Brighterdaysahead had him over 31 lengths away in third.

Elliott and owner Gigginstown House Stud had been left with the dilemma of contesting the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, for which Brighterdaysahead was a hot favourite, or tackling Constitution Hill in the main event, with the latter option now her confirmed target.

Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill at Cheltenham
Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill at Cheltenham (Damien Eagers/PA)

The trainer told www.gordonelliottracing.com: “I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. After talking it over with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary), we decided that we would take up the option of the Champion Hurdle.

“Obviously it’s going to be a huge test for the mare but she’s in great shape, her preparation has gone superbly and she’s in great order.

“We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle and it is great to have a challenger for one of National Hunt racing’s most iconic races, so it’s something we are greatly looking forward to.”

Constitution Hill during a racecourse gallop at Kempton last week
Constitution Hill during a racecourse gallop at Kempton last week (Adam Morgan/PA)

Coral clipped Brighterdaysahead to 2-1 second favourite from 9-4 for the Champion Hurdle, with Constitution Hill heading the market as 8-13, having been eased slightly from 1-2 following the news that Elliott’s mare will run.

Lossiemouth is next best on the list at 4-1, although she is now the 4-6 favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle in Brighterdaysahead’s absence.

“Brighterdaysahead absolutely deserves her place in this year’s Champion Hurdle field, so credit to her connections for opting to take on the challenge. She’s the clear second favourite for the race, and while Constitution Hill remains odds-on to regain his crown, the presence of the mare has undoubtedly made his task harder,” said the firm’s David Stevens.



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De Boinville: I think he’s in really good order… we’re where we should be

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Nico de Boinville had a beaming smile on his face after Constitution Hill came home in splendid isolation during his Kempton Park gallop on Tuesday morning.

It was in stark contrast to the glum faces that were on show at the Sunbury venue a year ago when National Hunt racing’s star performer produced a lacklustre effort on the Kempton Polytrack, which subsequently revealed a respiratory infection that ended his hopes of a Champion Hurdle defence.

De Boinville’s delight was matched by Constitution Hill’s trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley, who shared a warm embrace after the unbeaten eight-year-old scorched clear of work partners That’s Nice and Aston Martini, with the Seven Barrows number one saying he “couldn’t be happier” ahead of the gelding’s quest to land a second Champion triumph.

The Constitution Hill team after winning on Cheltenham Festival Trials day
The Constitution Hill team after winning on Cheltenham Festival Trials day (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Reflecting on the difference 12 months can make, De Boinville said: “Last year was an absolute disaster, but it just shows, last year we learned a great deal and we learned he wasn’t right and we could pull stumps there, but today we learned he’s good to go and we can crack on.

“I was confident in that I knew where he was at home and I think that just proved we knew where he was.

“After his piece of work the other day, we thought it would benefit him, just to open him up a little bit. I didn’t want to do much and obviously it’s a fine line. Right now I really couldn’t be happier with him and we’ve two weeks to go now.

“It’s another day and another year and where we are today is very different to where we were last year and today was a big day in all these horses’ lives. To come through it and put the finishing touches to everything was great.”

Kempton has proved rather central to the Constitution Hill story over the past 12 months, as the place where his well-documented struggles began was also the venue for a glorious return when downing Lossiemouth in Boxing Day’s Christmas Hurdle.

He sharpened the tools further when surviving a final-flight hiccup at Cheltenham in the Unibet Hurdle on Festival Trials day and his appearance in the London suburbs was very much a case of adding the final touches, with the Champion Hurdle just two weeks to the day away.

De Boinville added: “It’s a great feeling when you go clear like he did today and I was delighted with him – and it was good fun for Sam (Twiston-Davies on That’s Nice) and James (Bowen on Aston Martini) to see him up close as well.

“He’s done a bit of schooling and he’ll go again next week – we’ve still got a few things to do, but we’re getting there. He’s been absolutely fine, no problems and we’re where we should be.

“I don’t think he had much of a race at Cheltenham last time and I think he’s in really good order.”

Over the next two weeks it will be revealed which, if either, of star mares Brighterdaysahead or Lossiemouth will join defending champion State Man in attempting to lower Constitution Hill’s colours at Prestbury Park.

Brighterdaysahead could be in opposition at Cheltenham
Brighterdaysahead could be in opposition at Cheltenham (Damien Eagers/PA)

It would be fitting if De Boinville were to bring up his 50th Grade One victory aboard one of the best he has ridden and, poker face or not, he seems unconcerned about the opposition.

“We don’t mind what rocks up on the day and it’s no different to usual, we just want to win the race,” said the 35-year-old.

“Certainly if the two mares turn up then the Mares’ Hurdle will become a bit easier for some of the others. But either way it doesn’t matter and it is probably of more interest to you guys (press) and the public than me.”

A total of 12 members of the Seven Barrows string enjoyed stretching their legs, in what Henderson was insistent was an “away day” rather than “blistering” work.

De Boinville also threw his leg across the enigmatic Mister Coffey, Impose Toi and most importantly JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Lulamba, as he explained just what the Lambourn operation set out to discover on this key morning of the pre-Cheltenham Festival jigsaw.

Lulamba in full flow at Kempton
Lulamba in full flow at Kempton (Adam Morgan/PA)

He explained: “Lulamba felt great and I didn’t want to do too much. He’s fit and ready to go, hence why we didn’t want to do much today.

“These gallops are beneficial to the training regime rather than a test, as it were. Every horse has got their own plan and we know exactly where we want to be with each one.

“We’ve all got various instructions and it’s just a case of listening and riding accordingly. It’s never a case of who is going better, it’s about finishing where they should finish according to how much they need to be doing.

“We look at where they are in their coat and the condition they are carrying and then we make a decision on where they need to be.”



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‘Frightening to watch’ – all systems go for Constitution Hill after Kempton gallop

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Constitution Hill completely erased the memory of last year as he delighted Nicky Henderson in his pre-Cheltenham Festival gallop at Kempton Park on Tuesday.

The eight-year-old has an unblemished record under rules, winning each of his 10 hurdles starts with eight of those victories coming at the highest level.

However, he met with a setback during his warm-up gallop 12 months ago, when a lacklustre display revealed Henderson’s superstar was suffering from a respiratory infection which scuppered any hope of defending the Unibet Champion Hurdle crown he had won in sublime style in 2023.

A suspected bout of colic brought about an early end to his campaign in March before his gallops woes struck again prior to his anticipated seasonal bow in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

A laboured effort behind subsequently sidelined stablemate Sir Gino was followed by a short period of lameness that meant he did not hit the track until his triumphant return in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.

He has since served a further reminder of his star qualities with victory at Cheltenham on Trials day and there was not a moment of drama in his mid-morning gallop at Kempton, with big-race pilot Nico de Boinville allowing him to pull clear of work partners That’s Nice and Aston Martini.

The horse’s owner Michael Buckley was also on hand and Henderson felt 12 months made all the difference.

He said: “Nico’s face, my face and Michael’s face will probably tell you it’s a different day. That’s him and it’s good to watch really isn’t it – it’s frightening to watch, actually.

“We’ve been so happy and you’ve just got to blank out last year. We knew before we actually came here last year that these horses weren’t flying and it was going to be harder to get through, whereas today everything has gone perfect.

“It was great that you’re (press) all here (to watch) and you can make your own minds up.”

Henderson does not expect Constitution Hill to complete too much more strenuous work ahead of his Festival target.

He added: “(He won’t do) much more. He had a good bit on Friday and that was to decide whether to come here and I was in two minds, but Nico said ‘I think he will enjoy it and it will be fun’ and that really will do him.

“It’s (Champion Hurdle) on the Tuesday, so it’s the first day so we’ve got two weeks to go and we wouldn’t want to do much more this week. He will jump some hurdles, probably on Monday or Tuesday of next week, and I’d say he’d probably have one more gallop on our grass.”

Constitution Hill worked over two miles in company with his 126-rated stablemates, with Henderson admitting he did not expect That’s Nice and Aston Martini to keep pace.

He said: “That was a two-horse gallop and a one-horse gallop and we had to do that because there’s no point in the others trying to go with him, we know that. They were doing their own thing and it’s not as if he’s had to do anything – that was just pure, raw natural pace.

“It had to go right today, we all know that. He’s had a great season so far, that was great and we have a fortnight to finish our work off and our job is done, then it’s over to Nico.

“You would never tire of watching this horse, as that was very special. He’s very special.”

When Constitution Hill won on Trials day, he made a rare mistake at the final obstacle and a tongue-in-cheek Henderson suggested the weather could perhaps provide a solution to that concern.

He joked: “The sun may be down the racecourse that afternoon, they might not even have that last hurdle!”



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Constitution Hill to gallop at Kempton Park on Tuesday

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Constitution Hill will complete his Cheltenham Festival preparations with a gallop at Kempton Park on Tuesday morning.

The unbeaten eight-year-old undertook a similar workout 12 months ago and the lacklustre exercise proved to be the start of a number of issues that then kept him off the track for a full year.

Trainer Nicky Henderson found his 2023 Champion Hurdle hero to be suffering from a respiratory infection which scuppered a Cheltenham defence before a suspected bout of colic brought about an early end to his campaign last March.

Constitution Hill was pencilled in to return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in November but following a Newbury gallop where he was behind Sir Gino in November, he had short period of lameness that meant he did not hit the track until the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.

He easily accounted for Lossiemouth on that occasion and a subsequent Trials day success at Cheltenham means he is the 4-7 favourite with the sponsors to regain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown.

Despite last year’s troubles, Henderson has no qualms about revisiting his traditional Festival preparation, with JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Lulamba and his rival Palladium both set to have a spin after sidestepping a possible Kempton run on Saturday.

Speaking at the Sunbury track, Henderson said: “They’re all coming apart from Jonbon, Nico is quite keen for Constitution Hill to come.

“He did a bit of work yesterday (Friday) and Nico was very pleased with him, but we just think having a nice time around here will do him good. It won’t be any blistering head-shaking gallop, it will just be an away day rather than doing three strong pieces of work at home.

“Lulamba will be here and thank goodness I didn’t bring those four-year-olds here for the Adonis in that ground, that would have been a big mistake, so both Lulamba and Palladium will gallop.

“Jonbon is the one who won’t be here and he galloped this morning and I couldn’t be happier. But don’t forget he has run recently and doesn’t need it since the Clarence House. The rest will be here for a nice day out.”



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Henderson on Champion Hurdle countdown with Constitution Hill

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Nicky Henderson is well aware he is “the curator of something a bit special” as he counts down the days until Constitution Hill’s bid to regain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown.

The Seven Barrows star was nothing short of sensational when dominating his rivals at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago and while there have been a few bumps in the road since, the eight-year-old has returned from 12 months off the track seemingly as good as ever.

A comeback victory in the Christmas Hurdle raised the roof at Kempton on Boxing Day and he blew away a handful of inferior rivals in the Unibet Hurdle on Cheltenham Trials day last month, albeit his supporters will have had their hearts in their mouths when he fluffed his lines at the final obstacle.

It was around this time last year that things began to go wrong for National Hunt racing’s pre-eminent star, with a lifeless Kempton gallop followed by a bad scope and later a bout of colic that left Constitution Hill in hospital before he could eventually enjoy his summer break.

However, three weeks out from his return to the Cotswolds, the tone was altogether more upbeat as Henderson welcomed the racing media to his yard at a Jockey Club-organised press event on Monday.

“Everything has been good, I hope he’s going to be absolutely spot on in March and we’ve got three weeks,” he said.

“I suspect Nico (de Boinville) will have a sit on him this week, just to see where he is and how he feels, and I suppose he better jump a hurdle at some stage as you’d hardly want to go in with the last hurdle he jumped being the one at Cheltenham the other day.

“If you remember in the Champion Hurdle two years ago he took off so far away at the last, you thought he wasn’t going to get there and lifted himself in the air. Basically he had to be an aeroplane to do that and you can only do that if you’re a fresh horse.

“A tired horse would probably have fallen the other day, but he just shook his head, found a leg and galloped off, because he’s still a fresh horse. That is the only reason you get away with it, but I’d rather he didn’t do it again!

“We look after him, we’re the curator of something that is a bit special, and it’s just great if people do like them. That is why we ran him again – I felt we rather owed it to everybody after last year, so we slotted another one in, just to grab myself the odd brownie point!”

Constitution Hill looks in rude health at Seven Barrows
Constitution Hill looks in rude health at Seven Barrows (Adam Davy/PA)

Constitution Hill is odds-on to provide his trainer with a 10th Champion Hurdle success, but as ever Henderson is respectful of the opposition.

Willie Mullins looks set to saddle the reigning champion State Man and top-class mare Lossiemouth, who were engaged in a thrilling tussle in the Irish Champion Hurdle in early February when the latter crashed out four flights from home.

Add to that pair the possible participation of Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead, who slammed State Man at Leopardstown over Christmas, and it is little wonder Henderson is taking nothing for granted.

“They’re still very good horses. We’re two years on from the last time Constitution Hill won it and a lot of things have happened in the meantime,” he went on.

“The Willie Mullins Racing Festival (Dublin Racing Festival) didn’t tell us everything! They were going very hard that day, those two, and it would have been fascinating to know what the end product would have been. But it’s left more questions than answers actually, because one of them was going to get beaten and where would that have left the market and what would everybody be thinking?

“Unless they dead-heated, one of them was no longer going to be Willie’s number one whatever happened, but now it’s inconclusive. We don’t know what sort of Lossiemouth was going to come up at Leopardstown compared to Kempton, that’s anybody’s guess, so they’re both still there in the wings and it’s up to us to see if we can keep them at bay.

“I need to speak to Mr (Michael) O’Leary about running his mare (Brighterdaysahead) in the Mares’ Hurdle! It’ll be fun if she shows up as well and there’d be a gallop on, one would imagine.

“The one good thing is Constitution Hill can travel off any pace. That pace that Lossiemouth found difficult at Kempton was of no worry to him.

“I’m not saying they can go as fast as they like as that’s sounding pretentious, but they will go hard and I think his weapon is he can hold that as he has got bags of speed.”



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