Constitution Hill replaced as Champion Hurdle favourite after gallop 'struggle'
Despite connections stating they were satisfied with the workout at Newbury, the superstar jumper’s position in the betting markets is under threat from Lossiemouth
Constitution Hill lost his position as favourite for next year’s Champion Hurdle after another public gallop caused alarm in the betting markets.
The unbeaten hurdler was unable to defend his 2023 title at this year’s Cheltenham Festival due to illness.
Problems emerged after he trailed his companions in what was supposed to be a routine exercise at Kempton back in February.
He has not raced since Boxing Day last year but is due to make his much-awaited reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 30.
Ahead of the race trainer Nicky Henderson took him to Newbury where he galloped with stablemate Sir Gino.
It was only a gentle exercise until the tempo gradually quickened from the two furlong pole. As James Bowen sat motionless on Sir Gino, Nico de Boinville was pushing more vigorously on Constitution Hill to stay alongside.
As result William Hill eased Constitution Hill to 8-13 from 8-11 for the Fighting Fifth and 7-4 from 6-4 for the Champion Hurdle.
Coral went further and pushed the horse out to 13-8 (from 4-5) for the Newcastle feature, while he is now 5-2 (from 7-4) favourite for the Champion Hurdle alongside Lossiemouth, who was cut to 5-2 from 3-1.
While Betfair took the most extreme action, making Lossiemouth 5-2 favourite with State Man 3-1 and Consitution Hill 4-1 (from 11-8). The same firm eased Constitution Hill to 6-4 (from 8-13).
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “It wasn’t quite like Kempton’s disastrous gallop in February, but Constitution Hill didn’t seem to work with his usual zest this morning at Newbury. He looked to struggle to keep up with Sir Gino, and as a result, he’s drifted out to 8-11 from 8-13 for Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth.
“Champion Hurdle backers must have also got a little worried watching his efforts at Newbury and he’s also on the drift there, out to 2-1 from 6-4. There’s a long way to go before the big one in March, but Constitution Hill fans surely can’t have been encouraged by what they saw this morning.”
Henderson seemed unperturbed, telling the Racing Post : “He’s ready for action. That made him work and it’s why we’re here. People need to remember this horse has had bad luck. There’s nothing wrong with him, he hasn’t been injured. It’s all part and parcel of the game.”
De Boinville told Sky Sports Racing that Consititution Hill “felt great until about the two (furlong marker) and then he’s had a really good blow.
“Today will bring him on an awful lot, we’ve got one more piece of work to go, he’ll probably school this week and then we’re ready.”
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