A T his annual owners day this year, the six-time National Hunt champion trainer Nicky Henderson paraded his new recruits for the season along with his stars such as Jonbon and Shishkin.
“That’s all of them”, he quipped, as if forgetting there was just one more, as Constitution Hill loped into the courtyard with his lad Jaydon Lee. In rude health after his holidays, the horse meandered onto the lawn and started grazing. Looking at his superstar, Nicky told onlookers, “He’s the only one allowed on the grass”.
It’s special treatment for a special sixyear-old, unbeaten in all seven starts for Nicky and regularly touted as the most exciting horse in jumps racing.
The week before, the trainer finally ended the relentless speculation and announced that Constitution Hill would be staying over hurdles for the 2023/24 season. Nicky, owner Michael Buckley and jockey Nico de Boinville had discussed the options; Nicky says his decision was influenced by his jockey expressing doubt over The Hill’s stamina.
“It’s a very different ballgame going 31⁄4 miles round Cheltenham,” Nico elaborates. “It’s a very specific test and there isn’t another one like it anywhere in the country. For a horse with so much speed, and endless gears, you’d be having to teach him to settle for a long, long time, almost putting the dampeners on him instead of allowing his flair and speed to come out.”
The speculation about the horse’s future began in earnest after his 2023 Cheltenham Festival appearance when he trounced seriously good rivals like State Man and Paul Townend to take the Champion
This story is from the November 02, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 02, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
