Constitution Hill returns with a Christmas Hurdle win on Boxing day.

The well-known champion, Constitution Hill returned with a bang at Kempton on Boxing Day, winning the Christmas Hurdle for a record 3rd time under a confident ride by Nico de Boinville. Beating the champion mare Lossiemouth, Greatwood Hurdle winner Burdett Road and The Welsh Champion Hurdle Winner Lump Sum.

Constitution Hill winning the Christmas Hurdle

Constitution Hill returns from a 366-day break, with many bumps in the road since a poor racecourse gallop around Newbury, subsequentially he missed the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle which was won by stablemate Sir Gino.

Nicky Henderson has received a fair amount of criticism over the past year for protecting his star horse, Constitution Hill. Many people question his ability due to his lack of runs.

Nicky Henderson and Constitution Hill

“The great thing is that he’s back! He’s back where he belongs. He’s always been capable of being back and I do think he’s nearly as good as he was”. - Nicky Henderson

Also, we should give huge credit to the 14,000 fans who lined Kempton racecourse to watch the amazing days racing, but the buzz from the crowd during the Christmas Hurdle was amazing. When they jumped the last the roar was loud everyone was just buzzing to see the champ restored to health and winning again. 

“It was great to see the crowd like this today and I think they appreciate good horses. Horses like him are special and they don’t come around a lot. Sprinter Sacre was one and he is another – he is seriously talented”. - Nicky Henderson

Soon after the win many betting companies instantly shortened Constitution Hill’s price to 8-11 favourite (from 7-4 favourite) for the Champion Hurdle in March at Cheltenham where he hopes he can regain his crown from last year.

Although Lossiemouth was a close 2nd Willie Mullins was surprised by her lack of speed shown throughout the race. Paul Townend remarked after the race that he was surprised that she wasn’t her usual self, however, Willie Mullins seemed pleased with her performance.

Lossiemouth

"She was always behind for some reason, I was happy enough where she finished after watching her for the first mile, she finished well”.  - Willie Mullins

Will Lossiemouth run in the Champion Hurdle or revert to the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham? Stay tuned with us to find out.