The end of an unbeaten record is always regrettable and so for connections of Constitution Hill it was a brand new experience at the Cheltenham Festival this time around.
The erstwhile superstar of jumps racing had never endured a setback, on that racecourse at any rate, but here it all came apart in spectacular fashion for Constitution Hill as he landed on top of the fifth hurdle and crumpled on landing as Nico de Boinville crashed to the turf.
For trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley the answer to the ‘what next’ question appears to have been relatively simple. Constitution Hill will go into the lion’s den at Punchestown and come out fighting by taking on the Irish on home soil.
Buckley feels star turn had become ‘sloppy’
Owner Buckley revealed post-race that he believes some level of complacency was at play for Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle.
He had made a less than fluent jump at the final flight during his International Hurdle win at Cheltenham on Trials Day in January and his owner felt the chickens had come home to roost on the biggest stage of all.
“He managed to beat himself,” said Buckley. “All being well, we’ll go to Punchestown and sharpen up his mental process, so that he gives himself a bit more air.
“He doesn’t leave much to chance when he jumps. He has got a bit sloppy, taking chances by standing off miles from the hurdles.”
The owner went on to reveal the heartache of seeing the horse of a lifetime shed his veneer of invincibility in front of the watching world.
“I suspect he’s feeling less bruised than I am,” added Buckley. “I’ve been fortunate to have some good horses but never a horse like that.
“You get caught up in the thrill of having a horse who keeps winning. I’m an over-emotional human being, so it was tough. It was a pretty depressing experience.”
Henderson gears up for Punchestown
Henderson has a long tradition of bringing good horses to Ireland, keen to show them off to an adoring racing public in some respects.
Sprinter Sacre and Bobs Worth were winners of Championship races at Cheltenham and also Grade 1 scorers at Punchestown and Leopardstown in their pomp.
There was some talk of Constitution Hill going to Ireland as a novice for a clash with then reigning Champion Hurdler Honeysuckle but that never materialised.
This time around, the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on May 2nd does now seem the most logical target.
“It’s tough, but we have to live with it,” said Henderson of the Cheltenham contest. “We know what we’re playing with and that’s the game – you have to take these things.
“So now what do we do? I know what we’ll do, surely there’ll be a rather fun day in Punchestown now.”
State Man and Constitution Hill to meet again
The winner of the previous two Champion Hurdles, both Constitution Hill and State Man were fallers in the two-mile Championship contest this time, the former before any serious cards were played and the latter at the final flight when seemingly holding four aces in his hand.
As it turned out, his demise meant there was just one Golden Ace ready to pocket the prize.
Jeremy Scott’s mare is unlikely to venture to Punchestown, though you cannot be sure, while Gordon Elliott, Michael O’Leary and company must wonder where next with Brighterdaysahead after she surrendered meekly at Cheltenham.
Buckley summed up the Cheltenham experience rather well by adding: “It makes you want to cry, but I’m trying not to.”
Of course, with both Constitution Hill and State Man none the worse for Cotswolds collapses, everyone can look forward to another joust between the high-class pair at Punchestown.
Article by Anthony Vella.
