Constitution Hill has recently undergone eye testing at a specialized equine clinic following a series of jumping mishaps in his recent races. The eight-year-old had previously enjoyed a winning streak in ten consecutive races.
However, signs of trouble emerged in January when he made a crucial error at the last hurdle during the Cheltenham Festival warm-up. Despite being the favorite in the Champion Hurdle, his race ended prematurely after a fall with four hurdles remaining.
Hopes for a comeback at Aintree were dashed when he fell again at the second last obstacle. His subsequent performance in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle resulted in a fifth-place finish, leaving him bruised and tender.
As the new jumps season approaches, Constitution Hill’s odds in the betting market have dropped significantly, with The New Lion leading the list. Despite this, his trainer remains positive about his condition, emphasizing thorough medical evaluations, including eye tests.
The trainer expressed relief that extensive examinations revealed no significant issues, highlighting the horse’s excellent physical condition and promising outlook. Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s past struggles, the trainer described the challenges faced as heartbreaking and perplexing, given the horse’s exceptional jumping abilities.
Looking ahead, Constitution Hill is set to compete in upcoming races, including the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.