Much-improved Constitution Hill may enter the picture at the Punchestown Festival, according to Nicky Henderson

The talented Champion Hurdle winner from last season was expected to defend his title at Cheltenham, but a workout setback at Kempton revealed mucus in his scope two weeks prior to the Festival. 

There was a glimmer of hope that he would recover in time, but unfortunately, he became the first of many Henderson horses to be withdrawn from the prestigious event. Henderson had six runners on the first day of Cheltenham, with five being pulled up. Luccia's third-place finish in the Champion Hurdle, just three and a half lengths behind State Man, made Constitution Hill's absence even more disappointing. One by one, Henderson's top contenders were withdrawn, including Shishkin, who wasn't even declared for the Gold Cup on Friday. Jonbon was taken out of the Champion Chase, and Sir Gino missed the Triumph Hurdle as well.

Henderson emphasised that the racing industry, as a whole, demonstrated understanding and made an incredibly challenging week somewhat more manageable.

“My owners were brilliant, very understanding, as were the media and everyone else in racing and for that I’ll be forever grateful,” he told the PA news agency.