Unbeaten Star Horse
Nicky Henderson, the trainer at Seven Barrows, has confirmed that Constitution Hill, owned by Michael Buckley, will continue to race over hurdles. Despite Buckley's dream of winning the Gold Cup, concerns about the horse's ability to stay the 3m2½f trip influenced the decision.
Henderson's Reasoning
Henderson explained, "There was nothing to be gained by switching to fences. The Champion Hurdle is the Champion Hurdle, so if you are going to run in anything you might as well stick to what you know." The decision was unanimous among Henderson, Buckley, and jockey Nico de Boinville.
Punters React
Punters wasted no time in placing bets on Constitution Hill defending his Champion Hurdle crown in March. Odds on the horse were as short as 4-11 with most bookmakers. The Betfair Exchange saw significant action, with £35,371.78 matched on the horse.
The Path to Victory
Constitution Hill is expected to start off in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle before moving on to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. There is a possibility he will race in the International Hurdle at the end of January. The plan is to then compete at the Cheltenham Festival and either Aintree or Punchestown.
Record-Breaker
Bookmakers Coral have set odds of 4-1 on Constitution Hill winning a record four or more Champion Hurdles, and 7-4 to match the achievements of Istabraq with three wins. Paddy Power is offering odds of 14-1 for the horse to win the Champion Hurdle by 20 lengths or more.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/why-is-bay-bridge-25-1-for-the-arc/
