Constitution Hill has ‘significant inflammation’ adding more Cheltenham doubt

29 February 2024 , 15:11

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Constitution Hill and Nicky Henderson, whose star is 'under the weather' (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A blood test has revealed the extent of the issue troubling superstar jumper Constitution Hill which has put his Cheltenham Festival participation in jeopardy

The unbeaten hurdler returned a dirty scope after a lacklustre workout at Kempton on Tuesday when he was left trailing by his companions. The gallop, with other members of the Nicky Henderson string, was due to put him cherry ripe for the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown next month.

He is due to be given another scope on Friday in Lambourn but the latest update from Henderson has cast further doubt on the likelihood that he will be fit for the big day.

“The result of the blood test taken this morning goes quite a long way to explaining his disappointing performance at Kempton on Tuesday and confirms that he has a significant degree of inflammation,” the trainer said.

“The figures themselves suggest he is definitely under the weather and we will need to repeat the test again on Monday in the hope that the situation improves.

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“We intend to scope him again tomorrow morning but it appears that the blood test is a more conclusive barometer and the one we need to concentrate on.

“This is probably not what we were hoping for but at least it tells us exactly where we are.”

The setback to Constitution Hill, who was a long-odds favourite for the Champion Hurdle, put the betting market in turmoil.

In William Hill’s latest betting, rival State Man is the 2-5 favourite with Constitution Hill a 4-6 chance.

Jon Lees