Constitution Hill major update emerges before Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle

Constitution Hill is “unlikely” to run in next Saturday’s BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in a bitter blow for trainer Nicky Henderson.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle victor missed out on his title defence at back in March due to an unsatisfactory gallop at Kempton, which later revealed a respiratory infection sidelining him during the Cheltenham Festival.

Further challenges arose with a colic scare and a subsequent wind operation. Despite positive updates going into the season, Constitution Hill's attendance at Gosforth Park seems doubtful after he became "lame", as disclosed by Henderson in a statement on X.

"I’m afraid I have to report that we have a problem with Constitution Hill, he is currently lame. This wasn’t immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday but for the last 48 hours he has been sore.

“For what reason, we are currently unaware and investigating. This, as I’m sure everybody will appreciate, is a tragic problem for us but we have to report where we are.

“He is still under investigation, we are trying to find the reason for it, which is not apparent. We will keep everybody posted, but at this stage I’d have to say he is unlikely to make next Saturday at Newcastle.

“I have to confirm to everybody that this is not a retirement call, he is not (being retired). He was bright and breezy after his gallop but we have this issue.”

Following Constitution Hill's withdrawal, stablemate Sir Gino has become the new favourite for the Fighting Fifth, having outperformed him in a recent gallop at Newbury. Sir Gino is also entered to run over fences at Kempton on Monday.