'Large' bet forces move in Constitution Hill ante-post Champion Hurdle price

A 'large' betting shop bet on Constitution Hill has forced a market move in the ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle with Ladbrokes, with the brilliant 2023 winner shortening to 7-4.

The firm were unable to clarify the stake of the bet struck, but it did lead to the 2-1 being offered disappearing on Wednesday night.

The bet comes after Constitution Hill's trainer Nicky Henderson recently delivered an upbeat report on his stable star, who missed the Cheltenham Festival last season due to a respiratory infection. He is 7-4 with most firms, with race sponsors Unibet also shortening to 7-4 on Thursday, although bet365 and Star Sports remain 2-1.

Constitution Hill appeared just once last season, extending his unbeaten record under rules to eight when landing the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, while towards the end of the campaign he sustained a bout of colic from which he has since recovered.

Henderson joked a fully-fit Constitution Hill would be "back home and having his dinner" by the time State Man, last season's Champion Hurdle winner, crossed the line. In the only previous clash between Britain and Ireland's top two hurdlers, Constitution Hill won by nine lengths.

State Man is a 100-30 joint second favourite for the Champion Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, alongside stablemate Lossiemouth. 

Ladbrokes' Nicola McGeady said: "Jumps fever is starting to grip our punters, with a large bet for Constitution Hill catching our eye in particular.

"Constitution Hill was 9-4 last March, but has only started to shorten in recent weeks following on from bullish quotes from his camp. 

"This bet is certainly the biggest we have seen for him, showing the confidence there is out there for him, and if he is back to his best, then he will be a short odds-on shot come the festival." 

The firm have also reported interest in the King George market for Fastorslow, who has shortened into 4-1 favourite (from 5).  Support has arrived after trainer Martin Brassil revealed Kempton's Boxing Day highlight was the target for the dual Punchestown Gold Cup hero.

Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 11 2025)
Ladbrokes: 7-4 Constitution Hill, 10-3 Lossiemouth, State Man, 7 Ballyburn, 12 Sir Gino, 14 Mystical Power, 25 bar.

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'He has a lot of things you need in a King George horse' - Galopin Des Champs' nemesis Fastorslow to be aimed at Kempton 

Bookies on red alert with Emmet Mullins hope a major gamble in the Cambridgeshire 

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