Essayer OR - Gratuit

From family pet to champion hurdler

Horse & Hound

|

November 02, 2023

The unbeaten Constitution Hill is being prepped for another stellar season over hurdles. Kate Johnson tells the remarkable story of the horse nobody wanted

From family pet to champion hurdler

A T his annual owners day this year, the six-time National Hunt champion trainer Nicky Henderson paraded his new recruits for the season along with his stars such as Jonbon and Shishkin.

“That’s all of them”, he quipped, as if forgetting there was just one more, as Constitution Hill loped into the courtyard with his lad Jaydon Lee. In rude health after his holidays, the horse meandered onto the lawn and started grazing. Looking at his superstar, Nicky told onlookers, “He’s the only one allowed on the grass”.

It’s special treatment for a special sixyear-old, unbeaten in all seven starts for Nicky and regularly touted as the most exciting horse in jumps racing.

The week before, the trainer finally ended the relentless speculation and announced that Constitution Hill would be staying over hurdles for the 2023/24 season. Nicky, owner Michael Buckley and jockey Nico de Boinville had discussed the options; Nicky says his decision was influenced by his jockey expressing doubt over The Hill’s stamina.

“It’s a very different ballgame going 31⁄4 miles round Cheltenham,” Nico elaborates. “It’s a very specific test and there isn’t another one like it anywhere in the country. For a horse with so much speed, and endless gears, you’d be having to teach him to settle for a long, long time, almost putting the dampeners on him instead of allowing his flair and speed to come out.”

The speculation about the horse’s future began in earnest after his 2023 Cheltenham Festival appearance when he trounced seriously good rivals like State Man and Paul Townend to take the Champion

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Double delight for Andrews

Three established trainers relish a brace of wins each while connections enjoy success with new horses

time to read

4 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

'Back on planet Christmas'

A Christmas shopping trip turns into a chance to catch up on pony gossip for Tessa Waugh, who is on the back foot as far as present buying is concerned but replete with tales of happy new homes

time to read

2 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Masterclass with Joe Stockdale

Sharpen your horse's straightness and balance with Joe Stockdale's go-to exercises – simple set-ups to help build accuracy, connection and confidence

time to read

5 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

All I remember is mucking out!

Last-minute presents bought at Olympia, mucking out on the big day and escaping ponies - famous equestrians share their childhood Christmas memories with Catherine Welton

time to read

6 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

A chance to protect our heritage'

Hunting's cultural heritage should be officially recognised, says Ed Swales

time to read

3 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Magic of the festive ride

Behind Britain's glittering Christmas rides lie endangered Shires, life-changing therapy ponies, and communities united by the sound of hoofbeats.

time to read

6 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Philco

David Broome has ridden several household names in his career, but he holds special affection for a certain grey thoroughbred with an arrogant swagger, who drew fans from rivals, team-mates and spectators alike

time to read

6 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

The follower's choice - own or roam?

Going hunting without your own hunter is an increasingly popular choice for a range of reasons

time to read

6 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

McLean triumphs in all-Scottish jump-off

The brilliant Gino F is back where he belongs after injury and a former pony European rider is “shocked” to claim her first championship

time to read

4 mins

November 27, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Harrison Ashton

The 24-year-old dressage star tells about swapping the influencer tag for international results and proving himself as a rider on the rise

time to read

7 mins

November 27, 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size