In a turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, Constitution Hill, the reigning champion of the Champion Hurdle, has been ruled out of defending his title at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. The news has left fans and participants alike recalibrating their expectations for one of the festival’s most anticipated races. The race is one of the jewels in the crown of the festival, only topped by the Gold Cup on the final day of the huge showpiece. So, where do we go from here?
The Reason Behind the Withdrawal
The brilliant seven-year-old has remained unbeaten under Nicky Henderson’s training and was expected to be a leading contender in this year’s Champion Hurdle. However, unsatisfactory blood test results have led to the decision to withdraw him from the competition. The team behind Constitution Hill prioritizes the health and well-being of the horse above all else, leading to this difficult but necessary decision.
This development is particularly disappointing given Constitution Hill’s stellar performance last term when he romped to glory by nine lengths as a short-priced 4/11 favourite. This year, he was similarly heavily backed and websites providing betting on horse racing had installed him as a 1/3 frontrunner all year long. However, now he is out in the cold, and there is a new favourite and a whole host of contenders that have had their hopes reignited.
Contenders for the Champion Hurdle
With Constitution Hill out of the picture, the Champion Hurdle is wide open, with several horses vying to fill the gap left by the reigning king. While the loss of such a significant competitor is undoubtedly a blow to the race’s prestige, it also presents an opportunity for other talented horses to step into the limelight.
Among the notable contenders is Stateman, who has been installed as the new favourite, with top bookmakers pricing him as short as 1/3 with some outlets. He has won ten of his last 12 races, losing in this race to Constitution Hill last year as well as falling on his debut back in 2021. He has beaten the likes of Honeysuckle over the years and the dominant Cheltenham duo of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend are sure to get the best out of him.
Behind him come a whole host of horses all vying for the crown. Both Lossiemouth and Irish Point are priced under 5/1, and they are expected to give the newly minted favourite all he can handle.
Impact on the Cheltenham Festival
Constitution Hill’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, given his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. His presence brought a level of excitement and anticipation that will be hard to replicate. However, the beauty of horse racing lies in its unpredictability and the emergence of new champions. The Champion Hurdle, while missing a key player, remains a highlight of the festival, showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer.
