Henderson: Constitution Hill would have been having his dinner by the time State Man finished if he'd been fit for Cheltenham

Nicky Henderson is adamant Constitution Hill does not need to raise his level to regain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown and is "really hopeful" Michael Buckley's superstar can clean up this season and extend his perfect record.

A respiratory infection and suspected colic ruled Constitution Hill out of his spring targets but Henderson is confident his unbeaten star is heading back towards the peak of his powers before his eagerly anticipated return in the Fighting Fifth at the end of November.

The seven-year-old underwent wind surgery in the summer and has moved to new five-star accommodation at Seven Barrows, where six-time champion trainer Henderson hosted his annual owners’ day on Sunday.