Jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson expressed satisfaction after Constitution Hill’s recent workout at Newbury. Despite this positive update, Constitution Hill’s odds shifted for the upcoming BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Constitution Hill last raced in February at Kempton Park, where he faced complications due to an infection. This health issue prevented him from defending his title in the Champion Hurdle. Last season, he only participated in one race, the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, as Henderson opted not to enter him in the rearranged Fighting Fifth due to poor ground conditions.
During the Newbury workout, which De Boinville rode, Constitution Hill finished behind Sir Gino. De Boinville noted, “He felt great until about the two furlong marker and then he had a really good blow.” He added that the soft ground was beneficial for Constitution Hill’s training. De Boinville felt the workout would significantly enhance Constitution Hill’s fitness and readiness for future races.
Henderson also shared insights on the workout. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with training a horse like Constitution Hill but emphasized that the horse had no serious injuries. He addressed misconceptions about the horse’s absence, stating, “He hasn’t had a serious injury… He just had a bit of bad luck.”
How do changes in betting odds reflect public perception of Constitution Hill’s upcoming races?
Interview with Racing Specialist on Constitution Hill’s Recent Workout and Upcoming Races
NewsDirectory3.com: We’re joined today by racing specialist and analyst Emily Thompson to discuss the latest updates surrounding Constitution Hill, following his recent workout at Newbury. Emily, thank you for being with us.
Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such an exciting horse.
ND3: Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson were pleased with Constitution Hill’s performance at Newbury. What can you tell us about his fitness level?
ET: Absolutely, it sounded like the workout was a success. De Boinville mentioned that Constitution Hill “felt great” during most of the session, which is encouraging. His comment about needing to blow a bit towards the end isn’t unusual for a horse returning from a break. It indicates he might still be building his fitness, but the soft ground definitely worked in his favor for this type of training.
ND3: Henderson had previously mentioned that Constitution Hill faced an infection which affected his racing schedule. How significant was that issue, and what does it mean for his performance moving forward?
ET: The infection was certainly a setback but it’s great to hear that it wasn’t a serious injury. Henderson emphasized that it was more about bad luck rather than a chronic issue. Given that Constitution Hill has only missed a couple of significant races and has had minor setbacks, I believe it’s reasonable to expect him to return to form without much concern.
ND3: There have been shifts in Constitution Hill’s odds for upcoming races including the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle. How do you interpret these changes in the betting landscape?
ET: Odds can often fluctuate based on public perception and reports like the workout. While the workout provided reassurance about Constitution Hill’s health and readiness, the betting markets sometimes react to the risk and uncertainty surrounding a horse’s recent absence from competition. As fans and punters observe his workout performance, it’s likely to balance out as they weigh the evidence of his fitness against his past performance.
ND3: Henderson compared Constitution Hill’s situation to Sprinter Sacre, noting that it’s not a true comeback. How do you see this parallels affecting public expectations as the season progresses?
ET: That comparison is very apt. Sprinter Sacre faced serious long-term health issues which often lead to doubts about his return. With Constitution Hill, the circumstances are markedly different, almost more akin to a brief pause than a significant setback. It’s crucial for fans and analysts to recognize that if Henderson believes the horse is back on track and no serious injuries are present, expectations should remain high for his potential performance in his upcoming races.
ND3: With Constitution Hill set to return to the track soon, what should fans be keeping an eye on in the next few weeks?
ET: Fans should certainly watch the upcoming races as they could be both thrilling and revealing. His participation in the Punchestown Winter Festival on Sunday is particularly interesting, as it will provide fans with a clearer picture of how he’s handling competitive conditions post-rehab. Observing his performance there might offer additional insights into his readiness for the Fighting Fifth and eventually the Champion Hurdle.
ND3: Thank you, Emily, for your insights on Constitution Hill. It’s clear there’s much anticipation surrounding his return to competitive racing.
ET: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time in racing and I’m excited to see how things unfold for Constitution Hill.
Henderson further explained that this is not truly a comeback for Constitution Hill. He compared the situation to Sprinter Sacre, who faced serious health issues but noted that Constitution Hill had only experienced minor setbacks. Henderson feels confident about Constitution Hill’s progress and readiness, saying, “He’s got to start somewhere, he’s been off since Boxing Day, but that shouldn’t worry him.”
Fans can look forward to watching the Punchestown Winter Festival on Sunday from 1 PM on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
