Nicky Henderson outlines Constitution Hill’s next target following positive update on his superstar

9 months ago 53

CONSTITUTION HILL is set to make his return at the Punchestown festival after Nicky Henderson gave a positive update.

Hendo’s unbeaten superstar was unable to defend his Champion Hurdle crown this month after being ruled out in the build up.

Nicky Henderson has outlined running plans for Constitution Hill[/caption]

Alarm bells sounded when he trundled home in a dismal racecourse gallop at Kempton two weeks before Cheltenham.

‘Significant mucus’ was found in his airway and despite being hopeful he would recover in time, Hendo was ultimately forced to draw stumps and rule him out.

That left punters wondering if they would see Constitution Hill again this season.

But Henderson has provided a positive update and has targeted a return at the Punchestown Festival – which would put him on a collision course with Champion Hurdler State Man.

Henderson told Racing Post: “We still don’t know quite what hit him but he’s virtually repaired and well, and he’s back in normal training.

“We’ve been looking at Punchestown but we must bear in mind the fact he’s been genuinely unwell.

“If he’s ready to go to Punchestown then that would be fantastic but we’re taking it step by step and if he doesn’t give us the right signals then we want to be ready for next season’s Fighting Fifth.”