Nicky Henderson acknowledged that the blood test results for Constitution Hill were not as anticipated, raising concerns about the horse's readiness for the upcoming Unibet Champion Hurdle.
The reigning two-mile champion, once a strong favourite for a Festival defence, displayed a lacklustre performance during a workout at Kempton on Tuesday, prompting jockey Nico de Boinville to almost halt the session. Subsequent examination revealed mucus in the horse's lungs, initially met with a positive prognosis by Henderson.
However, the Seven Barrows trainer's optimism waned upon receiving the blood test outcomes, indicating significant inflammation in the unbeaten runner. Another blood test is scheduled for Monday in the hopes of observing improvement.
In a recent update shared on X (formerly Twitter), Henderson explained,
"The results of today's blood test shed light on Constitution Hill's lacklustre display at Kempton and indicate a notable level of inflammation. Further testing on Monday is crucial for assessing progress."
Describing his prized horse as "alert and bright," Henderson aims to strike a balance between allowing adequate recovery time for the Michael Buckley-owned gelding and maintaining his fitness level. He underlined the need to keep Constitution Hill active without causing undue stress, highlighting the urgency of the situation given the impending Champion Hurdle.
Henderson's thoughtful approach to Constitution Hill's condition reflects his commitment to ensuring the horse's well-being while preparing for the prestigious race.