Christmas Hurdle looks 'realistic' for Constitution Hill after minor setback says Nicky Henderson

Nicky Henderson on Monday reported Constitution Hill to be "miles better" and remains optimistic his superstar hurdler can overcome his minor setback and return in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The unbeaten seven-year-old was due to make his long-awaited comeback in the Grade 1 BetMGM Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on Saturday but was reported lame following a racecourse gallop at Newbury last week.

After x-rays and tests on the seven-time Grade 1 winner Henderson's veterinary team concluded that bruising on his pastern was touching a nerve, but fortunately there were no signs of any damage to tendons or ligaments.

The positive update from Henderson leaves the door open for Constitution Hill to make his return on December 26 in a race he won 12 months ago before being forced to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking at Kempton, Henderson said: "He's not 100 per cent but he's doing a lot better. We just have to monitor him day by day and as soon as he's sound we can start moving. We have treadmills and other things we can use, but we've got time. He won't do a lot this week whatever happens, but he had a proper good gallop last week.

"The idea is to come back here on Boxing Day. We just have to see how it goes, but he looked bright and happy this morning, and to most people's eyes you'd nearly call him sound. We were very encouraged by what we saw today."

Henderson added: "He's never had a problem – it's ironic. Whether this came as a result of the gallop or it came coincidently I have no idea. The vets said they've never seen this issue in 40 years. When he's ridden again we'll have another update, but he's still lame. It's day by day."

The Lambourn trainer posted a video on social media and remains hopeful his stable star can "get his career back on track" after a troubled period that has included a respiratory issue and suspected colic.

Speaking on his X account, Henderson said: "Obviously the Fighting Fifth is out, but the Christmas Hurdle is still realistic. He won it last year, so let's hope that is where we can get him out so we can get his great career back on track."

Sir Gino was confirmed as Saturday's Newcastle replacement for Constitution Hill, who Henderson said would begin "gentle walking exercises" as the first steps towards his return.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner is a top-priced 5-1 with Coral to regain his crown in March. Lossiemouth is 5-2 favourite with the firm, ahead of 3-1 shot and last year's winner State Man, and Sir Gino at 4-1.

Unibet Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 11)

Coral: 5-2 Lossiemouth, 3 State Man, 4 Sir Gino, 5 Constitution Hill, 6 Brighterdaysahead, 8 Mystical Power, 25 bar.

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From the highest of Champion Hurdle highs to gallops disasters: what next in the saga of Constitution Hill? 

Nicky Henderson: 'Too many people are trying to write Constitution Hill off and retire him - nobody is more gutted than we are' 

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