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

Nicky Henderson on Friday hit back at critics "trying to write off" Constitution Hill after the trainer revealed his star hurdler was a major doubt to make the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle next Saturday.

Henderson said the spectacular 2023 Champion Hurdle hero was lame and is rated "unlikely" to make his intended seasonal return at Newcastle, prompting bookmakers to remove him from ante-post markets as yet more drama engulfed the suddenly troubled career of the unbeaten superstar.

Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill after he worked at Newbury on TuesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com)

Constitution Hill has not been seen since winning the Christmas Hurdle last year, when he strolled to an easy victory over Rubaud, with the remainder of his season curtailed by ground concerns, a respiratory issue and suspected colic.

He took part in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning but was unable to match Sir Gino when asked to quicken by Nico de Boinville. The workout saw him drift to 6-4 for the Newcastle race.

Henderson reported Constitution Hill to be 'ready for action' and dismissed retirement rumours after the exercise, saying he was due to school over hurdles later in the week, but an issue has since emerged and an investigation is under way.

Constitution Hill finished behind Sir Gino in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on TuesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com)

Speaking at Ascot, Henderson added: "It's horrible, but there we go. He was perfectly fine the morning after his Newbury gallop, but then he was lame and we have no idea why. We've gone into an investigation because there's no obvious reason.

"He had to be moving forward today to get him to Newcastle, and I really needed to do another bit of work with him over the weekend. We're not going to do that.

"He's never taken a lame step in his life. He's always been sound. He's had problems with his lungs, but he's never had any sort of problem before last year.

"If the race was a week later then it wouldn't be an issue. Too many people are trying to write him off, retire him. Watching all the coverage on the TV just now looked like it was his obituary. He's lame and he will be back – we'll be trying to do that. Nobody is more gutted than we are.

"I appreciate people love him and want to see him, but so do we. We obviously hope it's nothing, but we've had to conclude that after 24 hours it's not as simple as we'd hoped it would be.

"Michael [Buckley, owner] is also gutted, especially having got this far. People think we make it up as we go along, but we don't. We're hurting more than anyone else and people are going to miss him, but from our side of the fence it's a lot worse than that."

Henderson revealed the news in a video posted on X on Friday, and said: "I'm afraid I have to report that we have a problem with Constitution Hill. He's currently lame. This wasn't immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, but for the last 48 hours he has been sore. For what reason we are still unaware.

"At this stage you'd have to say he is unlikely to make next Saturday at Newcastle."

Constitution Hill's stablemate Sir Gino is now the even-money favourite for the Fighting Fifth despite the fact he is entered to make his chasing debut at Kempton on Monday (1.30), but plans for the unbeaten four-year-old are undecided.

Sir Gino: was set to go novice chasing but is now favourite for the Fighting FifthCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

When asked if Sir Gino would replace Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth, Henderson said: "Iberico Lord goes to Kempton. I'm not sure about Sir Gino, it's not the idea [to go to Newcastle]. He was there as a back-up, but I don't know. I can't say he won't, but I certainly won't say he will. It's not as simple as everyone thinks."

Michael Buckley's star is also no longer favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, and is now a general 4-1 chance. Last season's electric Mares' Hurdle winner Lossiemouth heads the betting at 5-2, while Champion Hurdle hero State Man is a top-priced 3-1 chance.

BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Newcastle, November 30)

bet365: Evens Sir Gino, 6-4 Mystical Power, 11-2 Brentford Hope, 14 Brighterdaysahead, Golden Ace, 16 Salver, Nemean Lion, 20 Lump Sum, 25 bar

Unibet Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 11)

bet365: 11-4 Lossiemouth, 3 State Man, 4 Constitution Hill, 8 Sir Gino, 12 Ballyburn, Mystical Power, Brighterdaysahead, 33 bar

Read these next:

Constitution Hill ousted as Champion Hurdle favourite after Newbury workout - but upbeat Henderson declares him 'ready for action' 

Nicky Henderson confirms retirement of five-time winner and Champion Hurdle third Luccia 

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