Nicky Henderson Relieved: Constitution Hill’s Flat Run Averts Disaster
Nicky Henderson expressed relief after deciding to end Constitution Hill’s hurdles career following his success on the Flat. The six-time champion trainer described this decision as one of the most challenging in his 48-year career. He emphasized the risks associated with sending the nine-year-old back over hurdles, considering the potential consequences of injury.
Constitution Hill’s Successful Flat Debut
Constitution Hill, the winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, made a remarkable Flat debut at Southwell. Henderson noted that the horse had achieved a “spectacular job” for British racing. However, he realized that any mishap during a return to hurdles could have catastrophic effects on his career.
Trainer’s Reflections on Risk
Reflecting on the potential disaster, Henderson stated, “We knew what the risk factor was. It was too high, and the consequences were unthinkable.” He indicated that had Constitution Hill faced a serious fall, it could have deeply impacted his career. Henderson candidly mentioned that he would have considered retirement if something had gone wrong.
Public Opinion and Legal Warnings
Henderson received numerous letters from the public and even lawyers concerning his decision regarding Constitution Hill. He dismissed threats of legal action and reiterated the importance of prioritizing the horse’s safety. “We were not running scared of public opinion,” he stated, underscoring that after discussions with Michael Buckley, the decision to stop jumping was unanimously deemed right.
Future Plans for Constitution Hill
Looking ahead, Henderson has received multiple offers globally to feature Constitution Hill. He remarked, “Every racecourse I’ve ever heard of has got a race for him, in every country you can think of.” One potential race highlighted is the John Porter at Newbury on April 18, which Henderson considers a suitable option given its proximity and favorable ground conditions.
Exciting Prospects
Henderson is eager about the future following Constitution Hill’s Flat success. He acknowledged that the horse’s combination of age and experience sets a solid foundation for upcoming challenges. The trainer’s enthusiasm reflects a shift from focusing on novice races to discussing aspirations for Group races.
- Decision to end Constitution Hill’s hurdles career based on safety concerns.
- Successful Flat debut at Southwell marked a new chapter.
- Multiple offers received globally for races featuring Constitution Hill.
- Potential participation in the John Porter at Newbury on April 18.
With this decision, Nicky Henderson looks forward to exploring new avenues for Constitution Hill, emphasizing the importance of safety while embracing the opportunities ahead.
