Constitution Hill Set for High-Stakes Return Against Lossiemouth

The eagerly awaited return of Constitution Hill will take place in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, where he faces a formidable challenge from Lossiemouth in a four-runner field.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Constitution Hill has not been seen on the track since his dominant victory in the same Grade One race 12 months ago. However, his journey since has been anything but smooth. Following a disastrous gallop at Kempton that revealed an infection, a bout of colic, and a recent setback after a lame return from Newbury, the Champion Hurdle favourite saw his crown momentarily usurped by Lossiemouth in the betting markets.

Now fully recovered and reportedly back to peak form, Constitution Hill will need to be at his best to repel the challenge of Willie Mullins’ star mare, Lossiemouth. Since suffering her sole defeat at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival, Lossiemouth has been flawless, claiming victories in the Triumph Hurdle, International, Mares’ Hurdle, and Hatton’s Grace.

While Constitution Hill holds a 15lb advantage over Lossiemouth on official ratings, the mare receives a 7lb allowance and boasts race fitness, adding intrigue to their clash.

Completing the field are Burdett Road, winner of the Greatwood Hurdle for James Owen, and Lump Sum, who finished second in the Fighting Fifth to Constitution Hill’s stand-in, Sir Gino.

This showdown promises to be a thrilling battle of class, fitness, and resilience, as two of the sport’s brightest stars vie for supremacy in the festive highlight.