Constitution Hill's condition was described by Nicky Henderson as "alert and bright" on Thursday morning. However, uncertainties loom over his participation at the upcoming Cheltenham event until his health status is reassessed on Friday.
The racing community was taken aback earlier in the week when the undefeated seven-year-old was taken to Kempton for a routine gallop ahead of Cheltenham, only to be halted by Nico de Boinville. It was later revealed, following a scope, that mucus was found in his lungs, prompting Henderson to strive against time to ensure his prized horse was back in optimal health for the event next week.
Henderson expressed,
"If we intend to compete in the Champion Hurdle, he can't just remain idle. We need to strike a balance between keeping him active without causing undue stress. Despite his usual relaxed demeanour, he appears to be in good spirits. However, his recent performance indicated otherwise."
The plan is to conduct another scope on Friday after drawing blood for further analysis. The outcome will shed light on the mucus levels present. Henderson likened horses facing health issues to schoolchildren, acknowledging that not all can be in top form at all times. The challenge lies in the timing, especially with a significant event like the Champion Hurdle on the horizon.
Concluding, Henderson emphasised the necessity for Constitution Hill to be in peak condition for such a demanding race. The horse has shown promising potential, but the competition is fierce, requiring maximum effort. Henderson plans to monitor his progress closely and conduct additional assessments to gauge his readiness for the challenge ahead.