Nicky Henderson says Constitution Hill test results ‘not what we’re hoping for’ as Cheltenham hero’s odds rocket

2 months ago 32

CONSTITUTION Hill suffered another big drift in the markets after Nicky Henderson confirmed his blood test results were ‘not what we’re hoping for’.

The unbeaten superstar shocked his trainer with a dismal Kempton workout on Tuesday.

Statement regarding Constitution Hill from Nicky Henderson pic.twitter.com/QqMvdDuZO3

— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) February 29, 2024

It was later confirmed he had significant mucus in his airways as Willie Mullins’ State Man surged to favouritism for the Champion Hurdle.

Henderson was pinning his hopes on tomorrow’s scope to shed more light on how his horse is feeling.

But on Thursday he confirmed recent blood tests had highlighted bad news.

Henderson said in a statement: “The result of the blood test taken this morning goes quite a long way to explaining his disappointing performance at Kempton on Tuesday and confirms that he has a significant degree of inflammation.

“The figures themselves suggest he is definitely under the weather and we will need to repeat the test again on Monday in the hope that the situation improves.

“We intend to scope him again tomorrow morning but it appears that the blood test is a more conclusive barometer and the one we need to concentrate on.

“This is probably not what we were hoping for but at least it tells us exactly where we are.”

Constitution Hill was out a whopping 4.3 (100-30) on the Betfair Exchange.

While money came pouring in for Irish Champion Hurdler State Man, who was thrashed by Constitution Hill in the Cheltenham race last year.

More to follow.