Sir AP McCoy has offered his advice on the future course of action for Constitution Hill, a declining jumps star. The horse, who triumphed in the 2023 Champion Hurdle and remained unbeaten in ten races under rules, faced setbacks at key events like the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National meeting at Aintree.
Following a comprehensive evaluation during the summer, trainer Nicky Henderson was optimistic about Constitution Hill’s readiness for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the horse faced another fall at the second hurdle during the race.
Despite these challenges, Henderson has dismissed the idea of retiring Constitution Hill and is contemplating transitioning the horse to flat racing. In a recent episode of William Hill’s Inside Track, McCoy expressed his views on the situation, emphasizing the resilience and potential of the horse.
Meanwhile, William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty, who initially acquired Constitution Hill, suggested exploring options for improving the horse’s jumping abilities before considering any major changes in racing discipline. Geraghty proposed a rehabilitation program for Constitution Hill’s jumping skills, highlighting the expertise of Yogi Breisner in unconventional training methods.
The decision on Constitution Hill’s future racing career remains uncertain, with differing opinions from racing professionals. The possibility of continuing over hurdles or exploring a transition to flat racing or alternative training methods is under consideration by the connections involved.