Trainer Nicky Henderson reports that his unbeaten hurdler, Constitution Hill, is in "terrific form" as the countdown to the winter’s major jump racing season begins. The Seven Barrows star, who has long been a standout name in National Hunt racing, had an interrupted 2023-24 campaign, racing only once to defend his Christmas Hurdle title at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Constitution Hill missed a Champion Hurdle defence at Cheltenham due to a respiratory issue discovered during a racecourse gallop, and he later required treatment for suspected colic in March. Following a wind operation over the summer, the champion hurdler is now building towards a return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 30.
"Constitution Hill is in great form, we’re ticking along and all is in good shape," Henderson said. "Newcastle is objective and so far so good, we couldn’t be happier."
While Henderson is not expected to field runners at Chepstow’s season opener this weekend, he anticipates a strong presence at Cheltenham’s first meeting of the season later this month, signalling that his stable will be "ready to rock and roll."
Henderson also welcomes an exciting new addition to his yard: German Derby winner Palladium, purchased for €1.4 million at the Arc sales in France. Set to run in Lady Bamford’s colours, Palladium is expected to make his mark over hurdles, with William Hill offering odds of 25-1 for the Triumph Hurdle.
William Hill’s Lee Phelps remarked, "As the winning-most trainer in the Triumph Hurdle’s history, you have to take note when Nicky Henderson brings in such an expensive juvenile prospect. Palladium, bought for €1.4 million, is sure to be one of the classiest Flat horses to transition to hurdles this season."