And so, the wait goes on. The much-anticipated return of the sensational Constitution Hill has run aground. Untouchable during an eight-race winning streak between 2021 and 2023, the Nicky Henderson-trained superstar has now been absent from the track since his 9½l stroll in the 2023 Christmas Hurdle.
A respiratory issue and colic scare saw the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals pass the seven-year-old by, with State Man stepping in to claim the Champion Hurdle in his absence. However, hopes were high that the son of Blue Bresil would be fit and firing ahead of his intended comeback in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this weekend.
Lame Following Disappointing Galop
Unfortunately for connections, fans, and the Newcastle Racecourse gate receipts, the return of the great has been delayed.
Rumblings following a disappointing racecourse gallop alongside Sir Gino at Newbury were initially swatted aside by Nicky Henderson last Tuesday afternoon. However, on Friday 22nd November, the trainer released a statement declaring they had “a problem” with Constitution Hill - namely, that he was lame in his box and out of the Saturday showpiece at the Northeast venue.
Happily, subsequent x-rays revealed that Constitution Hill’s issue was caused by bruising pressing against a nerve – an unusual injury but not expected to be serious. All being well, the star of Seven Barrows will return in the 2024 edition of the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.
Sir Gino Steps up to the Plate
Few British yards can match Henderson's strength in the 2m division. In the absence of his stable star, the Lambourn handler simply rerouted Constitution Hill’s recent workmate to take a shot at the £115,000 event.
Following the announcement that Sir Gino would delay his first outing over fences to head to Newcastle, the four-year-old was quickly installed as the new favourite for the race at Evs with bet365.
Only four four-year-olds have come home in front in this event, but it was hard not to be impressed with this son of It’s Gino in his debut season over obstacles. Unbeaten in three starts, he turned a supposedly competitive Grade 2 at Cheltenham into a procession before announcing himself at the highest level in the Grade 1 juvenile event at the Aintree Grand National Meeting. Looking every inch a star in the making, he gets the chance to prove it here.
Mullins Raider Leads the Opposition
Impressive as Sir Gino was last season, he isn’t the highest-rated runner in this field. That honour falls to the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old Mystical Power.
Going in the green and gold silks of owner JP McManus (who has six Fighting Fifth wins to his name), this son of the great Galileo enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign. Winning each of his first three starts, he lost his unbeaten record when second to Slade Steel in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but bounced back to land consecutive Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown. Viewed as a potential Champion Hurdle contender in many quarters, he sits second in the market at 11/8 with bet365.
Course and Distance Winner Best of the Rest
The top two may take up the lion's share of the market, but both are appearing in open company for the first time and returning from a break of 200+ days.
In contrast, Harry Derham’s Brentford Hope will make his eighth start outside of Novice company, has blown away the cobwebs with a solid second in the Elite Hurdle, and is one of only two entries with a course and distance win to his name. None of much may matter if either Sir Gino or Mystical Power are at their best. However, if there is a shock, this seven-year-old may be the one to provide it.
Salver is another to note, having won four of five starts last season, with the only defeat seeing him finish third in the Triumph Hurdle.
Looking further down the list, Kerry Lee’s Welsh Champion Hurdle winner, Nemean Lion, is 20/1 with bet365 but has only 2lb to find with Sir Gino, according to the official handicapper.
The big draw may be missing, but the 2024 Fighting Fifth remains one of the key early-season contests in the 2m division and a race not to miss.
Falling in love with racing at a young age, Paul’s passion for sports and betting took him to Salford University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with Gambling Studies. Having spent ten years in the employment of a leading bookmaker, Paul opted to go it alone and pursue his dream job as a freelance writer.
Paul Harrison
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