Constitution Hill's Fighting Fifth Hurdle hopes in doubt after lame setback

Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill is "unlikely" to compete in the upcoming BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, according to Nicky Henderson. The celebrated trainer has shared that his standout hurdler is "currently lame", with the cause yet to be diagnosed, casting doubt on the horse's appearance at Gosforth Park.

Victory at the 2023 Champion Hurdle was missed due to an unsatisfactory racecourse gallop at Kempton, which revealed a respiratory infection, leading to Constitution Hill being absent from the Cheltenham Festival.

Moreover, the gelding spent time in a veterinary hospital suffering from suspected colic last March and had wind surgery over the summer. Despite these setbacks, there were positive expectations for the winter season. Henderson had marked a return to Newcastle as part of his plans for the horse’s comeback.

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Despite assurances from connections regarding Constitution Hill’s condition after an uninspiring gallop at Newbury earlier in the week, a new problem has since surfaced. Henderson explained the situation in a statement: "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. Whatever’s making him lame, he can still walk. He walked in the water yesterday and we’ve got to admit if the Fighting Fifth was not in just a week’s time, it wouldn’t be an issue.

"It might be simple, and I hope it is and we can mend it, repair it and get him right. If he’s sound tonight, he will go to Newcastle, but I am having to warn that I think it’s unlikely. Until we can identify what is ailing him, it is impossible to get a result and I can’t think this is going to take five minutes.

"We can’t find anything (at the minute) and it could be anything from foot to fetlock to knee. So we will do a blocking system. On his near fore, we can block the foot, the fetlock and the knee, but he’s lame. Too many people are trying to write him off and retire him. It’s been like an obituary but he’s only lame. First of all, you hope it’s nothing, but we don’t know, as there’s nothing to see – no heat anywhere, but they can’t talk."

"The public miss seeing him but it’s more painful for us. I’ve been at it long enough and through it often enough. It’s tough for everybody and I know everybody wants to see him and I appreciate that. But we have got to look after him and the only thing that matters at the moment is his wellbeing. Let’s hope it won’t take too long and if we can’t do Newcastle, hopefully he will be back for Kempton."

Constitution Hill has been replaced as Fighting Fifth favourite by stablemate Sir Gino, who finished ahead of him in the Newbury gallop and is entered over fences at Kempton on Monday.