Scott sees some sadness in Constitution Hill decision

A year on from the most extraordinary of Champion Hurdles, Jeremy Scott is counting down to Golden Ace’s defence of her crown, in a race which this year will be missing Constitution Hill.

The mare took full advantage of falls from Constitution Hill and State Man to come out on top in the Unibet-sponsored blue riband 12 months ago, an effort she backed up with a big run at Punchestown and in winning this season’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle, where Constitution Hill was again a faller.

While after much deliberation connections of the 2023 champion have opted to pursue a career on the Flat, Somerset-based Scott is plotting another famous run for his stable star, who was last seen finishing best of the rest behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.

But although the absence of Nicky Henderson’s superstar does Golden Ace’s chance of a Festival repeat no harm, Scott, like many in National Hunt racing, feels for connections of Constitution Hill in having to make the decision they did.

“I think they they could have jumped either way, but I think (it is) probably for the good of racing – if anything had happened to Constitution Hill it would have been a PR disaster,” he said.

“So it’s probably not a bad thing, (but) I do feel sad not to see Constitution Hill over hurdles, as he was such a brilliant horse.”

Former Seven Barrows stable jockey Barry Geraghty, who bought Constitution Hill as a foal, backed the call made by Henderson and owner Michael Buckley.

“The dream was alive on the back of Southwell. If he was to line up and his jumping was up to standard, it would have been exciting to see him transfer the level of form he showed at Southwell to Cheltenham,” said the William Hill ambassador, whose glittering CV includes four Champion Hurdle victories.

“There’s no doubt the decision would have weighed on Nicky and Michael. We’ve got to praise them for being able to make the decision, and make the right decision for the horse and his career.

“Looking at the bigger picture, I’m much happier for him to step away in one piece and have another avenue to explore with a career on the Flat which will be exciting too.”