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Constitution Hill Set for Pivotal Schooling as Henderson Puts Champion Hurdle Chance at '50-50'

A schooling run on Wednesday will set up a weekend decision on Cheltenham participation versus a switch to a Flat campaign.

Overview

  • Trainer Nicky Henderson said a hurdles school on Wednesday will inform a weekend meeting with owner Michael Buckley on whether to run in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
  • Constitution Hill bolted up by nine and a half lengths on his Flat debut at Southwell, reigniting debate over staying on the Flat after recent jumping falls.
  • Buckley has outlined a preferred Flat route with late-summer targets such as the Ebor, Goodwood or the Irish St Leger, with a possible Melbourne Cup tilt later in the year.
  • Racing Victoria’s international recruiter has contacted connections offering to help facilitate a Melbourne Cup bid, though Henderson stressed the horse must first earn a suitable Flat rating and floated the Henry II Stakes as a potential step.
  • With three falls in his last four obstacle starts, the horse has been re-schooled by Yogi Breisner, rival trainer Dan Skelton urged against a hurdles return, and bookmakers quote him at 5-2 for the Champion Hurdle and around 25-1 for the Melbourne Cup.