Nicky Henderson: Constitution Hill has had wind surgery - everything is 100 per cent

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill underwent wind surgery earlier this summer as he prepares for his seasonal return in November.

The unbeaten seven-year-old, who has not been seen in action since a routine victory in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, will begin his campaign in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on November 30.

A respiratory infection and suspected colic caused Constitution Hill to miss his spring targets, including the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham in March, and Henderson is hoping the "straightforward procedure" can assist with his breathing for the new campaign.

He said: "A few weeks ago he had wind surgery, which is there as an aid. It’s something which has occurred to us before, but we thought it was a good thing to do now while we had the time in case it reared its ugly head, rather than when we were in training and couldn’t afford the time."

The operation comes after Constitution Hill was moved to a new five-star accommodation at Seven Barrows last month. 

Henderson added: "Everyone is very happy. It’s a very straightforward procedure and he was recently scoped to show that everything is 100 per cent. He’s loving his new stable where he spends a lot of the day enjoying his field."

Constitution Hill (left) and Jonbon (Paddy Murphy) have been given their first targets by Nicky HendersonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The six-time champion trainer was speaking after a bumper crowd enjoyed a morning in Lambourn as part of National Racehorse Week, which began on September 7 and ends on Sunday.

Henderson added: "We had a large crowd of people and Constitution Hill, along with all the others, is in very good form. 

"We had a large and enthusiastic crowd, which was great, and Constitution Hill took his own interest in affairs, as he usually does, whereas Jonbon and Altior, who was also here, just take it all in and love the public and the cameras."

Henderson added: "They’re all in very good form. Jonbon is getting set for the Shloer Chase and Constitution Hill is preparing for the Fighting Fifth, and everything is going according to plan."

Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 11)
William Hill: 2 Constitution Hill, 5-2 Lossiemouth, 4 State Man, 7 Ballyburn, 10 Sir Gino, 14 Mystical Power, El Fabiolo, Irish Point, 16 bar

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