Constitution Hill out of Champion Hurdle and ready for next chapter on the Flat

Guardian Sport

by Greg Wood

February 25, 2026

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Constitution Hill, the standout winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle, has been withdrawn from this year's race and all future jumps competitions. Trainer Nicky Henderson made the decision after the nine-year-old horse suffered falls in three out of his last four races, including a recent schooling session at his yard. Henderson stated that it would be unfair to put both the horse and jockey Nico de Boinville through another risky race. This move comes following Constitution Hill's impressive debut in a Flat race at Southwell earlier this week. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among racing fans. While some are disappointed that one of the sport's most accomplished hurdlers may never have a chance to reclaim his title, others view it as a necessary precaution given the recurring falls. Henderson's statement emphasizes prioritizing the horse

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/25/2026