Nicky Henderson, the renowned horse trainer, took me on a nerve-wracking journey to see Constitution Hill, the unbeaten champion hurdler. But it wasn't your typical drive – Henderson's Land Rover had no lights, no brakes, and he admitted that he couldn't see very well. Let's just say it was quite the adventure.
A Fearless Driver
Henderson, known for his success in the racing world, has undergone treatment to address his deteriorating eyesight. Despite the challenges, he seemed confident behind the wheel as we made our way to Seven Barrows.
Through Rain and Mud
The weather was less than ideal, with heavy rain pouring down as we climbed Sparsholt Hill. The muddy terrain made the journey even more treacherous. Henderson even shared a story of the car breaking down on a previous occasion, leaving him stranded. But that didn't stop him from navigating the field and finding a gap in the trees to park.
Champion Hopes
The main purpose of our trip was to witness Constitution Hill, the champion hurdler, in action. With the upcoming King George race at Kempton on Boxing Day, all eyes were on this promising horse. We also had the opportunity to see Shishkin, another top contender for the race, who had made headlines recently for refusing to race at Ascot.
A Majestic Display
Despite the challenging weather conditions, it was a captivating sight to watch the horses on the gallops at Seven Barrows. Constitution Hill, in particular, stood out as a quiet and unassuming horse at home. But once he steps foot on the racetrack, he transforms into a true champion.
A Hurdling Star
Constitution Hill's rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. As a novice hurdler, he defied the odds and won his first race by a staggering 14 lengths. He then went on to win at Cheltenham and solidify his status as a superstar in the Champion Hurdle. Despite rumors of a switch to chasing, Henderson made it clear that hurdles were the way to go for this talented horse.
Overcoming Challenges
Constitution Hill's journey hasn't been without its obstacles. He had a delayed start to the year due to some extra pounds gained during his summer break. Additionally, a recent disruption caused by a race cancellation meant he had to spend the night away from home. These challenges have added to Henderson's anxiety as he prepares for the upcoming races.
Shishkin's Stubborn Streak
Another horse on Henderson's radar is Shishkin, who will be competing in the King George without a prep run. Shishkin's refusal to race at Ascot and subsequent race cancellations have raised doubts about his performance. Henderson remains hopeful but acknowledges the tough competition and the challenges of winning such a prestigious race.
Final Thoughts
Our hair-raising adventure with Henderson has come to an end, and we've made it back down the hill in one piece. But for Henderson, the ultimate relief will come if Constitution Hill emerges victorious in the Christmas Hurdle. With nerves running high, the anticipation for the upcoming races is palpable.
