Constitution Hill Still Set for Punchestown Festival

According to Nicky Henderson, during the training of Constitution Hill for racing at the Punchestown Festival on May 2, the horse is likely to contest the Boodles Champion Hurdle, following fears he may have fallen at both the Cheltenham and Aintree meetings. Despite those incidents, Henderson remains optimistic, stating the horse is in good condition and has responded well after each race.

Speaking earlier this week, Henderson shared that the Punchestown Festival had always been part of the season’s schedule. He explained that Constitution Hill Horse’s recovery has been smooth and that he has shown no signs of fatigue, despite the quick turnaround between races.

“We intend to come to Punchestown Festival,” said Henderson. “It was my original plan after Cheltenham, and then, he was so well, I couldn’t say no to Aintree. Thankfully, I think he’s come out of that very well and we’ve got four weeks to the Punchestown Festival. It was only three weeks from Cheltenham to Aintree.”

Henderson added that although Constitution Hill Horse didn’t complete in either of his last two runs, he didn’t appear to have exerted himself physically. That observation has contributed to the team’s decision to maintain the Punchestown Festival entry.

“And don’t forget, in neither race has he raced,” Henderson said. “He is very fresh at the moment. He’s in terrific shape.”

Should Constitution Hill Horse appear at the Punchestown Festival, he will likely meet strong competition. Among the expected entries are Willie Mullins’ State Man, the consistent Lossiemouth, rising talent Brighterdaysahead, and Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace. The potential contest between these horses has drawn attention across the racing community.

“It’s meant to be a great clash of two great horses – State Man and Constitution Hill Horse – and they deserve to have a head-to-head,” said Henderson. “We may have more if Lossiemouth, Golden Ace, and Brighterdaysahead are there.”

Constitution Hill Horse remains unbeaten in the races he has completed. Before the incidents of last spring, he had had success in numerous Grade 1 races up to and including the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Cheltenham in 2023, as well as the Christmas Hurdle and the Fighting Fifth. But Professor Henderson looks to be ever so confident, and the festival will be his attempt to restore the narrative after an uncharacteristic spell.

State Man, also a strong contender, has continued to produce consistent results throughout the season and could provide the sternest challenge to Constitution Hill Horse’s return. Racing fans and analysts alike have expressed interest in seeing how the two would compete if they are close together entering the final stretch.

“I think everyone has been talking about State Man and Constitution Hill Horse and want to find out what happens if they turn into the straight together,” Henderson said. “That’s what it’s all about. It would be fantastic. Everybody deserves it, and we would love to have that in Punchestown Festival.”

The Punchestown Festival is thereby viewed as the formal conclusion to the National Hunt season in Ireland, while the Boodles Champion Famous Hurdle, usually two miles, is one of the major events that attract the best horses running for the week. This year’s edition is shaping up to feature some of the highest-rated famous hurdlers in training, adding to the importance of Constitution Hill Horse’s return.

Despite recent setbacks, the tone around Henderson’s yard remains confident. In explaining the horse’s physical condition and soundness, the trainer has stated time and time again that the extra week from Aintree to the Punchestown Festival as compared to the turnaround from Cheltenham to Aintree has allowed the horse to recuperate and become prepared.

With just under a month to go, Henderson and his team continue to monitor Constitution Hill  Horse closely. If all goes as expected, the Punchestown Festival could offer a significant moment in the horse’s career and provide clarity on where he stands among today’s famous hurdlers.