Nicky Henderson says ‘sorry’ after scratching big names including Constitution Hill from Sandown’s Tingle Creek day

5 months ago 34

NICKY HENDERSON has apologised to punters after pulling out his biggest names from Tingle Creek day at Sandown.

The Seven Barrows boss has scratched Constitution Hill, Shishkin and Willmount from the blockbuster eight-race card.

There will be no Constitution Hill at Sandown in the rearranged Fighting Fifth[/caption]

Michael Buckley on Constitution Hill missing @Sandownpark @itvracing. Connections will get stick – but any sensible person would understand and do the same. Yeeehaaa! pic.twitter.com/Pt4Lp2eHPq

— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) December 9, 2023

And Chantry House and Impose Toi could also be non-runners after the track survived an early morning inspection – but rain continues to fall.

It means the wait will go on to see reigning Champion Hurdle king and unbeaten superstar Constitution Hill.

He was due to kick off his season in the rearranged Fighting Fifth after it was swapped from a cancelled Newcastle last weekend.

But punters banking on an early Christmas present will now have to wait until Boxing Day.

Henderson wrote on X: “Due to the extremely testing going, we have decided that Constitution Hill will not run in today’s Fighting Fifth at Sandown because it would simply not be fair to race him under such extreme conditions on his first run of the season.

“It is too close to Boxing Day, and he can’t do both, so, all being well, he will now go straight to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle.

“Shishkin has also been withdrawn, along with Willmount for his intended engagement in the Listed Novices’ Hurdle.

“I will speak to JP with regard to the participation of Impose Toi and Chantry House, but the good news is that Jonbon will take his chance in the Tingle Creek.

“He has had a run so is fit and well and the ground is much more suitable on the chase course.

“It is very unfortunate, and we are all sorry they won’t be turning up, but we have to put the horses first.

“It’s as simple as that.”

Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman posted a photo of his conversation with Constitution Hill’s owner Michael Buckley.

A text from Buckley read: “It’s a shame but he’s a young horse and I would like him to keep giving all of us the joy of his talent for as long as possible.

“Better not to abuse that talent.”

Henderson’s post was met with understanding by the vast majority of punters – especially as it would have been a bonus to see Constitution Hill.

Although one moaned: “Cheers Nicky, punters crying now.”

And those who managed to snatch the 8.0 on the Betfair Exchange about the horse amid ‘mass confusion’ will be cursing their luck.

Constitution Hill, the most exciting jumps horse in training, will now have a further fortnight and a bit of rest before kick-starting his season.

All roads lead to the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown at March’s Cheltenham Festival then, for which he is 1-3 fav.

Shishkin was entered in a bid to get some fitness but as Sun Racing revealed, a secret Kempton workout could have him in top shape for the King George on Boxing Day regardless.

Willmount is attempting to follow Constitution Hill’s route to Supreme Novices’ Hurdle glory.

He was a 13-length winner on hurdle debut for Henderson and looks one of two weapons in the race for the trainer, along with the exciting Jeriko Du Reponet.