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Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Nicky Henderson pulls Constitution Hill from £650,000 race after trainer admitted ‘something has gone wrong'
Where does the former king go from here? HAUNTED HILL Nicky Henderson pulls Constitution Hill from £650,000 race after trainer admitted 'something has gone wrong' NICKY HENDERSON has pulled Constitution Hill out of a £650,000 race - after admitting 'something has gone wrong' following his disastrous end to the season. The former Supreme and Champion Hurdle superstar fell at Cheltenham and Aintree. Advertisement 1 Constitution Hill looked destined to be the greatest hurdler ever but he is now on the mother of all recovery missions after a dreadful end to the season Credit: PA And he was humbled by old rival State Man in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown earlier this month. A Christmas Hurdle win over Lossiemouth - when Willie Mullins' mare ran well below par - was the only bright spot in an otherwise horrific season. And the blows kept on coming as Henderson officially scratched Constitution Hill from next month's Ascot Gold Cup. When the Michael Buckley-owned eight-year-old was winning everything there was talk he could at least try his luck on the Flat. Advertisement The mega-money Melbourne Cup had been suggested, as well as the 2m4f Group 1 contest at Royal Ascot. But the latter is definitely off the agenda now after Henderson took him out 11 days before the official deadline. Based on what we know from his hurdle runs, 2m4f at Ascot, with the stiff finish, would probably have been too far for Constitution Hill. And jumping form doesn't necessarilly translate to the Flat, especially when he would have been taking on the likes of Aidan O'Brien's borderline unbeatable Kyprios. Advertisement It would have been interesting to see Constitution Hill line up at Ascot. But it was always a long shot - bookies had him priced at 33-1 - and really it looks like the right decision has been made. Henderson was left scratching his head after his former superstar appeared to lose all confidence at his hurdles. His two falls were shockers but he was the opposite at Punchestown, ballooning his obstacles where previously he looked slick. Advertisement Hendo said after that defeat, where he finished in fifth of six and 27 lengths behind State Man: "It's disappointing but it's a tough game. "It was sad Constitution Hill had to be beaten that way because you could live with going down in a battle. "Something has obviously gone wrong because that's not him and our job is to try to unravel the mystery." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Advertisement Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nicky Henderson pulls Constitution Hill from £650,000 race after trainer admitted ‘something has gone wrong'
NICKY HENDERSON has pulled Constitution Hill out of a £650,000 race - after admitting 'something has gone wrong' following his disastrous end to the season. The former Supreme and Champion Hurdle superstar fell at Cheltenham and Aintree. 1 Constitution Hill looked destined to be the greatest hurdler ever but he is now on the mother of all recovery missions after a dreadful end to the season Credit: PA And he was humbled by old rival State Man in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown earlier this month. A Christmas Hurdle win over Lossiemouth - when Willie Mullins' mare ran well below par - was the only bright spot in an otherwise horrific season. And the blows kept on coming as Henderson officially scratched Constitution Hill from next month's Ascot Gold Cup. When the Michael Buckley-owned eight-year-old was winning everything there was talk he could at least try his luck on the Flat. The mega-money Melbourne Cup had been suggested, as well as the 2m4f Group 1 contest at Royal Ascot. But the latter is definitely off the agenda now after Henderson took him out 11 days before the official deadline. Based on what we know from his hurdle runs, 2m4f at Ascot, with the stiff finish, would probably have been too far for Constitution Hill. And jumping form doesn't necessarilly translate to the Flat, especially when he would have been taking on the likes of Aidan O'Brien's borderline unbeatable Kyprios. Most read in Horse Racing It would have been interesting to see Constitution Hill line up at Ascot. But it was always a long shot - bookies had him priced at 33-1 - and really it looks like the right decision has been made. Henderson was left scratching his head after his former superstar appeared to lose all confidence at his hurdles. His two falls were shockers but he was the opposite at Punchestown, ballooning his obstacles where previously he looked slick. Hendo said after that defeat, where he finished in fifth of six and 27 lengths behind State Man: "It's disappointing but it's a tough game. "It was sad Constitution Hill had to be beaten that way because you could live with going down in a battle. "Something has obviously gone wrong because that's not him and our job is to try to unravel the mystery." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nicky Henderson set to wave goodbye to 21 horses as owners decide it's time to move on
A GRAND total of 21 Nicky Henderson-trained horses are set to be put up for sale later this month - as owners decide it's time to move on. Doncaster's Spring HIT/PTP Sale will see a whole load of Seven Barrows runners go under the hammer. Advertisement 1 Nicky Henderson will see one horse in the famous Donnelly silks, worn here by James Bowen, sold at the Doncaster sales, when Shanagh Bob goes under the hammer Credit: PA Among them is Grade 2 winner Shanagh Bob, owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly of State Man, Sir Gino and Lulamba fame. The lovable seven-year-old never reached the same heights as his owner's other superstars. But he closed out his time with Henderson with one final victory - his first since December 2023 when he scooped the Graded race at Cheltenham - in a match race at Ludlow on Sunday. Hendo said: "He's always been a lovely horse and is very straightforward to train. Advertisement "It's fair to say he's not quite been as nice as we thought he'd be but he won well and he's still got a bright future. He'll go to the Doncaster sales now." Also up for sale is First Street, owned by billionaire Lady Bamford. First Street, an eight-year-old gelding, actually finished second to State Man in the 2022 County Hurdle. The future Champion Hurdle winner was famously thrown in that Grade 3 handicap race off a ridiculous mark of 141. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing He would go on to be rated a best 169. First Street gave State Man 1lb that day and went down just over a length at 16-1 under Nico de Boinville. Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who own the likes of Impaire Et Passe, have also listed their five-year-old gelding Katana as being for sale. This many horses going under the hammer doesn't mean owners are leaving Hendo, just that these particular runners may do better elsewhere under a different ownership. Advertisement Henderson, who also recently saw The former Champion Hurdle king jumped poorly in the Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle, finishing 27 lengths behind winner State Man. He fell in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and again capsized a few weeks later at Aintree. But he could be seen again next month after being given an entry in Ascot's Gold Cup. Advertisement And there is real hope for the future with the likes of Lulamba. He made amends for his narrow Triumph Hurdle defeat at the hands of 100-1 Poniros with victory in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown. The Willie Mullins-trained Poniros, owned by Brighton boss Tony Bloom, finished four lengths behind in second. List of Nicky Henderson horses due for sale at Doncaster Advertisement Broxy Music Hooper Marengo Bay Jasmin Bellevue (withdrawn) Uptown Lass Raffles Nobu Timetoshine Attacca Soldier Saint Captain Morgs Shanagh Bob Nativehill First Street Sutherland Katana Inneston Bo Zenith Kingston Pride Haddex Des Obeaux Diyaken Minella Premier Willmount FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
"He'll be back" - Constitution Hill retirement talk quashed by trainer Nicky Henderson
Henderson has given Mirror Racing the latest update on Constitution Hill after the hurdler was beaten 27 lengths by State Man at the Punchestown Festival on Friday Nicky Henderson intends to race on with Constitution Hill once the top thoroughbred has been given time to recover from the Punchestown Festival. The 2023 Champion Hurdle hero failed to show any of his old brilliance behind all-the-way winner State Man in Friday's feature race. With James Bowen deputising for injured colleague Nico de Boinville, Constitution Hill was heavily backed by members of the huge crowd and went off the 8-13 favourite. However he was slow to start when the tape was released and after a big leap at the first flight, was soon in trouble as Paul Townend kicked from the front on State Man. British raider Golden Ace finished an honourable second with Constitution Hill 27 lengths behind the Willie Mullins-saddled winner in fifth. The disappointment led to discussion among racing fans about the former hurdling great's future on the racecourse. Speaking to the Mirror and Express on Saturday, Henderson said: "Constitution Hill will be back for next season. "His immediate future plan is out in the field, he will have a summer holiday like he normally does. We have found a few things but they aren't excuses." Although unable to challenge for top honours in the Boodles Champion Hurdle, it was the first time Constitution Hill's had completed in three races. The eight-year-old fell heavily at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals and he was having his first run for Seven Barrows outside of Britain yesterday. Constitution Hill helped draw a modern day record crowd of 42,138 people to the circuit, situated around an hour from Dublin. Punchestown's vet reported the winner of £881,823 from ten triumphs had grazes to his right hind cannon bone and was sore post race, while Bowen reported his mount stopped quickly. "The whole of Ireland came to see him yesterday so it was a shame we didn't get the result," Henderson added. "He will be on his way home tonight and back to his own bed. He's fine and just has some sore muscles. We will give him time to get over this season."
Irish Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Punchestown day 5 full race card and tips - list of runners on Saturday
It's the final day of the National Hunt season as Punchestown hosts the last jumps card of the campaign. State Man produced a stunning performance to win the Boodles Champion Hurdle on Friday as Constitution Hill disappointed and all eyes will be on Brighterdaysahead, who ran against State Man and Constitution Hill at Cheltenham, this afternoon. Gordon Elliott's star mare bolted up in the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, but was well beaten at Prestbury Park when finishing fourth in the Champion Hurdle. There are eight races once again on Saturday, with the first scheduled to start at 2.30pm. Here's a list of the runners and riders, as well as a tip for each race: 2.30: 3m½f (Bank) Howden Cross Country Chase (5yo+) 1 Coko Beach (FR) J Smith (5)2 Stealthy Tom (IRE) Simon Torrens3 Grange Island (IRE) Darragh O'Keeffe4 Read To Return (IRE) Non Runner5 Final Orders Shane FitzGerald6 French Dynamite (FR) Gavin Brouder (3)7 I A Connect (IRE) Phillip Enright8 Subset (IRE) Donagh Meyler9 The Goffer (IRE) Kevin Sexton10 Vanillier (FR) Keith Donoghue11 Vital Island (IRE) Mr B T Stone (7)12 Busselton (FR) J J Slevin13 Cavalry Master (IRE) Sean O'Keeffe14 Chemical Energy (IRE) Sam Ewing15 Conflated (IRE) Danny Gilligan16 Peaches And Cream (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)17 Clonbury Bridge (IRE) Reserve 118 Quornofamonday (IRE) Reserve 219 Three By Two (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Conflated Click on this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest Cheltenham Festival news and top stories from the Irish Mirror direct to your phone on WhatsApp. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 3.05: 3m7½f Handicap Chase (5yo+ 0-145) 1 Favori De Champdou (FR) Mr Rob James (7)2 Answer To Kayf John Shinnick (5)3 Duffle Coat (IRE) J Smith (5)4 Yeah Man (IRE) Keith Donoghue5 Stuzzikini (IRE) Sam Ewing6 Hasthing (FR) Richie McLernon7 Run Wild Fred (IRE) Conor Clarke (7)8 Another Choice (IRE) Donagh Meyler9 The Short Go (IRE) Rachael Blackmore10 Fortunedefortunata (IRE) Danny Gilligan11 History Of Fashion (IRE) Sean Flanagan12 Outside The Door (IRE) A P Kelly (5)13 Herakles Westwood (FR) J Bowen14 Your Own Story (IRE) Patrick Wadge15 Dreaming Blue Rex Dingle16 Shanbally Kid (IRE) Danny Mullins17 Cadatharla (IRE) Gavin Brouder (3)18 Lonesome Boatman (FR) Darragh O'Keeffe19 Sir Bob (IRE) Simon Torrens20 Brandt (IRE) Jordan Gainford21 From The Ashes (IRE) Phillip Enright22 Meyo Mike O'Connor23 The Gradual Slope (IRE) Mark McDonagh24 Salmanino (FR) Sean O'Keeffe25 Stormy Judge (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)26 El Champo (IRE) Reserve 1 Tip: Hasthing 3.42: 2m4½f SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) 1 Brighterdaysahead (FR) Sam Ewing2 Gala Marceau (FR) Danny Mullins3 Jade De Grugy (FR) Paul Townend4 July Flower (FR) Rachael Blackmore5 Lot of Joy (IRE) Brian Hayes6 Wyenot Harry Cobden Tip: Brighterdaysahead 4.15: 3m½f Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (5yo+ 0-150) 1 Sam Brown Rex Dingle2 Monbeg Park (IRE) Mr J L Scallan (7)3 Grandero Bello (FR) Ricky Doyle4 Minella Crooner (IRE) Sam Ewing5 Amirite (IRE) Darragh O'Keeffe6 Tullybeg (IRE) Danny Gilligan7 Beachcomber (FR) Richie McLernon8 Battle It Out (IRE) Charlie O'Dwyer (5)9 Will Do (IRE) Non Runner10 Big Debates (FR) John Shinnick (5)11 Canal End (IRE) Mark Walsh12 Bill Baxter (IRE) Harry Bannister13 Majestic Force (IRE) Rachael Blackmore14 Now Where Or When (IRE) Sean O'Keeffe15 Jasmin De Grugy (FR) Simon Torrens16 True Testimony (IRE) C Stone-Walsh (3)17 Cuta Des As (FR) Non Runner Tip: Jasmin De Grugy 4.50: 2m (Inner) Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo) 1 Blue Lemons (IRE) Danny Mullins2 Ephesus (IRE) D King3 Hello Neighbour (IRE) Keith Donoghue4 Larzac (FR) Mark Walsh5 Legionnaire Forez (FR) Danny Gilligan6 Lulamba (FR) J Bowen7 Poniros Paul Townend8 Sony Bill (FR) Sean O'Keeffe9 Too Bossy For Us (IRE) Harry Cobden10 Lumiere Du Large (FR) Kevin Sexton11 Murcia (FR) Rachael Blackmore12 Sainte Lucie (FR) Brian Hayes Tip: Lulamba 5.25: 2m4½f Lawlor's Of Naas Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (4yo+) 1 Maxxum (IRE) Non Runner2 Impose Toi (FR) J Bowen3 Jalila Moriviere (FR) Simon Torrens4 Anotherway (FR) J J Slevin5 Western Walk (IRE) Mr A P Ryan (7)6 Thecompanysergeant C Stone-Walsh (3)7 D Art D Art (FR) Donagh Meyler8 Lord Erskine (IRE) Non Runner9 Mousey Brown (IRE) P J O'Hanlon10 Raglan Road (IRE) Mark Walsh11 Addragoole (IRE) Kevin Sexton12 Hey Sunshine (IRE) Paul Townend13 Wellington Arch Richie McLernon14 Fiveonefive (IRE) Jordan Gainford15 Vischio (IRE) Conor Clarke (7)16 All For Rachel (IRE) Phillip Enright17 Jazzy Matty (FR) Danny Gilligan18 Kalix Delabarriere (FR) Rachael Blackmore19 Stormbreaker Sean O'Keeffe Tip: D Art D Art 6.00: 2m (Inner) DAR Golf Construction (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (4-7yo) 1 Ballyedward (IRE) Mr S Connor (7)2 Berkshire Echo (IRE) R A Berry (7)3 Eagle Oi (IRE) Mr R Barron (5)4 Kazbek (IRE) Conor Smithers (7)5 Obey The Order (IRE) Mr J L Scallan (7)6 Panjandrum Mr J H Williamson (7)7 Quantum Boy (IRE) Mr Patrick Mullins8 Ryan's Son (IRE) Mr D Doyle (7)9 Vitorio Piel (FR) Mr J L Gleeson10 It's Only A Game (FR) Mr Derek O'Connor11 Just For One (IRE) Mr J G Murphy (7)12 Ladbroke Grove (FR) Mr Rob James (7)13 Las Brisas Boy (IRE) Mr F R Buckley (7)14 Lexington Wood (FR) Mr H C Swan15 Ludus Magnus (FR) Mr E P O'Brien (5)16 Pension Perk (IRE) Mr A Leahy (7)17 Thankyouforthedays (IRE) Mr Finian Maguire18 Biglesisback Mr Gregor Walkingshaw (7)19 Brosna Queen (IRE) Mr M Sharpe (7)20 Crokes Cross (IRE) Mr L P Barnett (7)21 Fraher Field (IRE) Miss Maxine O'Sullivan (5)22 Lady Hotham Miss A B O'Connor Tip: Quantum Boy 6.35: 2m 34th Running Of The "Have The Conversation - Say Yes To Organ Donation" Punchestown Charity Race (4yo+) 1 Chutzpal (IRE) Christopher Denny2 A Mere Bagatelle (IRE) Jennifer McGrath Kerins3 Due Course (IRE) Robert Harrison4 Jungle Cove (IRE) Sarah Browne5 Numidia (IRE) Dorota Kulikowska6 Likable Chancer (IRE) Thomas Howard7 Swelltime (IRE) Sarah Leahy8 Bright Start (USA) Kerrie Gillespie9 Dark Note Sarah Costello10 Fill The Tank (IRE) Siobhan Nolan11 Irish Boyo Triona McGuinness12 Mephisto (IRE) Raymond Crowe13 Presenting Max (IRE) Nicky O'Connor14 Pride Of Place (IRE) Ella Shanahan15 Rock On Seamie (IRE) Liam Phelan16 Sir Carnegie (IRE) Paul Burns17 Vintage Gold (IRE) Gary Dowling18 A Daughtersdelight (IRE) Kate Macklin19 Nora The Xplorer Amy Bannister Bell20 Pallas Athene (IRE) Ella Budds21 My Good Pal (IRE) Reserve 122 Ardad Derek Reserve 223 Awakino (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Jungle Cove
