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HorseRacing

Constitution Hill's Lame Setback and Racing Future

2024-11-22

Nicky Henderson, the trainer of Constitution Hill, the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner, made a significant announcement. The horse has been lame and is "unlikely" to run in the upcoming Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Constitution Hill last raced on 26 December at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle, extending his unbeaten streak to eight wins. However, a training setback occurred after a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning. Henderson said the horse was "ready for action" at Newcastle but now faces this unexpected issue. "I'm afraid we have a problem with Constitution Hill. He is currently lame. This wasn't immediately apparent after the gallop at Newbury, but in the last 48 hours, he has been sore. We are still unaware of the reason and are currently investigating," Henderson stated. The horse is still under examination as they try to find the cause. It's a tragic situation for the team as Constitution Hill has never been lame before. The only previous issues were a dirty scope last year and colic in the spring, along with a troublesome gallop at Kempton in late February. Henderson later updated Sky Sports Racing, saying "Wednesday everything appeared fine, Thursday he was lame, and he's still lame today and last night." The trainer added that the horse is sound at a walk with no obvious reason. He is currently going through tests and examinations. This news has led to a steady drift in the ante-post betting for the Fighting Fifth on Friday morning, with his stable companion, Sir Gino, replacing him as the favorite.

Constitution Hill's Racing Journey Halted by Lameness

Constitution Hill's Past Racing Success

Constitution Hill had an outstanding racing career before this setback. He won the 2023 Champion Hurdle with ease, showing his exceptional talent on the track. His unbeaten record of eight wins, including the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, was a testament to his prowess. This horse had become a symbol of excellence in the racing world, and fans were eagerly awaiting his next races.However, this recent lameness has cast a shadow over his future. It's a disappointment for both the horse and his dedicated team. The fact that he has never been lame before makes this situation all the more concerning. The team is working tirelessly to determine the cause and find a solution.

The Impact on Upcoming Races

The news of Constitution Hill's lameness has significant implications for the upcoming Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. As the favorite before this setback, his absence will be felt by many. The race now has a different dynamic without him in the lineup.Sir Gino, his stable companion, has taken over as the favorite, but it's a different story without Constitution Hill. The absence of such a talented horse leaves a void in the race, and it will be interesting to see how the other contenders perform.This setback also raises questions about the horse's recovery time and whether he will be able to return to his former glory. The racing community is watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.

Looking Ahead for Constitution Hill

Despite the current setback, there is still hope for Constitution Hill. The team is committed to getting him back on track and restoring his health. They are conducting thorough tests and examinations to identify the cause of the lameness and develop a treatment plan.If Constitution Hill can recover quickly and return to his best form, he has the potential to once again dominate the racing scene. His past performances have shown that he is a true champion, and fans are holding out hope for his comeback.In the meantime, the racing world will be waiting with bated breath to see how he progresses. Whether he will be able to make a successful return remains to be seen, but the determination of his team is evident.

Other Notable Races and Contenders

While Constitution Hill's situation is in the spotlight, there are other notable races and contenders to watch. Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning is a strong contender in the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday. He was an impressive winner of the Grade One Turners Novice Chase at Cheltenham in March and is the shortest-priced contender from a British stable in the ante-post betting for the Gold Cup next spring.However, Grey Dawning has a concern as he has been beaten on his seasonal debut in both of his campaigns over jumps. This raises questions about his fitness for the upcoming race. If he lacks fitness, Royale Pagaille, a course-specialist, will be ready to take advantage.Venetia Williams's 10-year-old, Royale Pagaille, is four-from-five at Haydock and has been trained for Saturday's race from a long way out. While his best form has come on heavy ground, there is plenty of rain in the forecast, which could suit him well.These are just some of the other races and contenders that are generating excitement in the racing world. Each race has its own story and potential surprises in store.