Constitution Hill is back.On the latest episode of Unbridled, Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan are joined on the phone by master Nicky Henderson for the latest on his superstar ahead of Saturday’s ride at Cheltenham.
The Champion Hurdle favorite roared to the top of his game with a victory over Lossiemouth in the Kempton Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.
The two could meet again this weekend in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle before heading to the Festival in March.
2024 was mostly a year of disappointments and disruptions for Constitution Hill, but now it’s firing on all cylinders again, and Henderson is looking to make up for lost time.
Henderson said. “I couldn’t be happier with him, he’s in great shape.
“As you know, that wasn’t really the plan. Right after Kempton we were thinking of going straight to Cheltenham in March, but he’s come back so well so we feel we have to go.
“We missed a lot last year, so let’s try to make up for it.”
Constitution Hill won the third Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day
Strong Leader is another top-class horse on the comeback trail as he looks to bounce back from a weak effort in the long walk hurdle at Ascot.
Trainer Ollie Murphy believes he has found the reason why and is looking forward to competing with Crembo again in the Cleeve Hurdle.
Strong Leader (Black and Green) on his way to defeating the Liverpool ban
He told Unbridled: “He’s had wind surgery and if he’s back to his best he’s the one for everyone to beat.
“Hopefully that surgery really helped him and the race was a little bit off.
“Crumbo is the one to beat, but I wouldn’t trade my boy if he’s back to his best.
“He’s only been right-handed once before and he wasn’t comfortable in that race.”
