Cheltenham Festival: Constitution Hill OUT of the Champion Hurdle

Constitution Hill has been ruled out of the Champion Hurdle at next week’s Cheltenham Festival.

The reigning champ was a major doubt to make the mega meet since mucus was found after a sub-par workout on Kempton’s all-weather track last week.

The results of a blood test have not shown enough improvement for trainer Nicky Henderson to send out his stable star to defend his Champion Hurdle crown.

That means State Man is the outright favourite in Paddy Power’s non runner money back betting for the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, March 12.

The multiple Grade 1 winner chased home Constitution Hill in last year’s Champion Hurdle and is now likely to be seen by many punters as one of the bankers of the Fez.

Henderson said: “Very sadly, we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore have to declare that he will not be running there this year.

“He has undoubtedly improved over the weekend and seems noticeably brighter than he was at the end of last week, and I really do think he was much perkier when ridden this morning. Unfortunately, the all-important blood test shows that although the figures have improved they are quite a way from being satisfactory for a horse to commence serious training and race in a week’s time.

“There are three significant markers on the blood test, all of which have come down since Thursday’s sample, but are still raised enough to indicate that he has not fully recovered from whatever was ailing him. The only way to continue the improvement is not to stress him and he obviously cannot run in these Olympic Games if he’s not trained sufficiently.

“This is very sad for all of us and particularly Michael but it is in everybody’s best interests that we ensure we have a fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year. As no further bulletins will be required I would just like to say how much we have appreciated everybody’s support and messages over the last week.”