Sir AP McCoy has provided his assessment on the next steps for Constitution Hill, a prominent jumps horse. The 2023 Champion Hurdle victor had an impressive track record, remaining unbeaten in ten races under rules before encountering setbacks at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Despite being a strong favorite, Constitution Hill fell early during the Champion Hurdle and later experienced another mishap at the Grand National meeting at Aintree. Subsequently, he finished fifth out of seven in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, sustaining minor injuries in the process.
Following a comprehensive evaluation during the summer, trainer Nicky Henderson believed Constitution Hill was ready to perform at his best in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. However, disappointment struck again as the horse fell at the second hurdle in a race won by Golden Ace.
Henderson has dismissed retirement plans for Constitution Hill and is contemplating a switch to flat racing. During a segment on William Hill’s latest Inside Track, McCoy shared his insights on the horse’s recent struggles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and care in guiding the horse’s future in racing.
Conversely, William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty, the original purchaser of Constitution Hill, suggested exploring options to improve the horse’s jumping ability before considering a transition to flat racing. He highlighted the potential for specialized training with Yogi Breisner, known for innovative coaching methods, to address the horse’s jumping issues.
The decision on Constitution Hill’s racing career remains uncertain, with differing opinions on the best path forward. The owners and connections face a challenging choice regarding the horse’s future endeavors, balancing his past successes with recent setbacks.