Constitution Hill heading to Ireland for Punchestown Champion Hurdle 'three-match'
The former champion, undefeated under rules up to the Cheltenham Festival, has a reputation to rebuild after falling in the Champion Hurdle and again when he ran in the Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National Festival. He has a chance to atone in Friday's Boodles Champion Hurdle in which his two main rivals will State Man and Golden Ace, bringing together the last three winners of the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle.
State Man and Golden Ace were part of the other drama from this year's Cheltenham clash. Following Constitution Hill's early exit, the Willie Mullins 's trained State Man appeared to be coasting to victory until he crashed out at the final flight, presenting victory to the Jeremy Scott-trainer Golden Ace.
Constitution Hill will be without regular jockey Nico de Boinville who was injured in a fall at Plumpton last week. In his absence James Bowen will ride the Nicky Henderson star for the first time in public.
Bowen schooled Constitution Hill, 10-11 favourite for the six runner field which also includes County Hurdle winner Kargese, on Sunday.
Henderson reported: 'Constitution Hill jumped four fences on our Canter Carpet schooling strip this morning with James Bowen on top. Everything went extremely well and I couldn't be happier with his condition.
'Nothing whatsoever should be read into the fact he schooled over fences, he is definitely not going down that route, but after discussing it with Nico, Michael, James and myself we decided this was the best thing to do. It was a brave decision but they are only baby fences and we hope it works.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Charlie Raglan's own goal earns Preston a hard-fought Carabao Cup win at Barrow
The former Cheltenham and Oldham defender headed substitute Ben Whiteman's long ball past Ben Winterbottom with the goalkeeper stranded close to the edge of his area. It was tough luck on debutant Winterbottom, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Cumbrians on level terms. But it was far from a one-sided contest as Andy Whing's side looked to shake off two opening fourth-tier defeats. North End goalkeeper Jack Walton produced a vital stop to deny Connor Mahoney, moments before Raglan's 66th-minute mistake. Walton was beaten when Mahoney tried his lucky from close range, while the midfielder screwed a shot wide at the end of the opening half. Tyler Walker also put the ball in the net but referee Ross Joyce ruled the striker had kicked it out of Walton's hands. North End, whose only previous visit to Holker Street resulted in a 1971 League Cup victory, created plenty of chances to ensure a wider margin of victory. But Preston-born Winterbottom and poor finishing prevented a second goal. The Bluebirds almost forced penalties as former North End midfielder Tom Barkhuizen struck the woodwork in the 89th minute but the visitors held on.
North Wales Chronicle
3 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Charlie Raglan's own goal earns Preston a hard-fought Carabao Cup win at Barrow
The former Cheltenham and Oldham defender headed substitute Ben Whiteman's long ball past Ben Winterbottom with the goalkeeper stranded close to the edge of his area. It was tough luck on debutant Winterbottom, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Cumbrians on level terms. But it was far from a one-sided contest as Andy Whing's side looked to shake off two opening fourth-tier defeats. North End goalkeeper Jack Walton produced a vital stop to deny Connor Mahoney, moments before Raglan's 66th-minute mistake. Walton was beaten when Mahoney tried his lucky from close range, while the midfielder screwed a shot wide at the end of the opening half. Tyler Walker also put the ball in the net but referee Ross Joyce ruled the striker had kicked it out of Walton's hands. North End, whose only previous visit to Holker Street resulted in a 1971 League Cup victory, created plenty of chances to ensure a wider margin of victory. But Preston-born Winterbottom and poor finishing prevented a second goal. The Bluebirds almost forced penalties as former North End midfielder Tom Barkhuizen struck the woodwork in the 89th minute but the visitors held on.
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Charlie Raglan's own goal earns Preston a hard-fought Carabao Cup win at Barrow
The former Cheltenham and Oldham defender headed substitute Ben Whiteman's long ball past Ben Winterbottom with the goalkeeper stranded close to the edge of his area. It was tough luck on debutant Winterbottom, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Cumbrians on level terms. But it was far from a one-sided contest as Andy Whing's side looked to shake off two opening fourth-tier defeats. North End goalkeeper Jack Walton produced a vital stop to deny Connor Mahoney, moments before Raglan's 66th-minute mistake. Walton was beaten when Mahoney tried his lucky from close range, while the midfielder screwed a shot wide at the end of the opening half. Tyler Walker also put the ball in the net but referee Ross Joyce ruled the striker had kicked it out of Walton's hands. North End, whose only previous visit to Holker Street resulted in a 1971 League Cup victory, created plenty of chances to ensure a wider margin of victory. But Preston-born Winterbottom and poor finishing prevented a second goal. The Bluebirds almost forced penalties as former North End midfielder Tom Barkhuizen struck the woodwork in the 89th minute but the visitors held on.
