Constitution Hill has recently undergone an eye examination at a specialist equine clinic following a series of jumping mishaps during his previous races. Formerly a dominant force in the jumping circuit with a flawless record, the eight-year-old’s performance took a downturn earlier this year.
The first signs of trouble emerged in January when he made a mistake at the final hurdle while leading comfortably in a race leading up to the Cheltenham Festival. Despite being a strong favorite at the Champion Hurdle, his hopes were dashed when he fell with four hurdles remaining.
Subsequent races at Aintree and Punchestown saw him facing further setbacks, finishing down the order and sustaining minor injuries. As the upcoming jumps season approaches, Constitution Hill’s odds have dropped significantly, currently at 12-1, with The New Lion holding the top spot in the betting ranks.
Despite the recent challenges, Constitution Hill’s trainer remains positive about his prospects. Extensive tests, including an eye examination and a full body scan, revealed no significant issues. The trainer expressed satisfaction with the horse’s physical condition, noting his excellent movement and lung capacity.
Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s past struggles, the trainer described the previous season as tumultuous and heartbreaking, particularly highlighting the Champion Hurdle incident. Concerns arise over his uncharacteristic jumping errors, given his exceptional skills in hurdling.
Looking ahead, Constitution Hill is set to compete in upcoming events such as the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. The trainer aims to address the previous challenges and guide the talented jumper back to winning form in the upcoming races.
