Latest news with #ChristmasHurdle
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.
Leader Live
06-05-2025
- Leader Live
Trainer Evan Williams denies assaulting man
Williams pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm to Martin Dandridge on December 4 last year in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan. Williams, 54, of Llancarfan, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and enter his pleas during a brief hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, fixed a trial date for March 3 next year. Williams was released on conditional bail until his trial. Byron Broadstock appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while Leah Pollard represented the defendant. Williams is a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, with his most recent success at the highest level coming in the 2020 Christmas Hurdle via Silver Streak. He also trained State Of Play to be placed in three Grand Nationals and came second in the Aintree highlight with Cappa Bleu in 2013.
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
2025 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Odds & Betting Guide
The 2025 Champion Hurdle odds are dominated by two horses on horse racing betting sites, one from either side of the Irish Sea with former champion and red-hot favourite Constitution Hill bidding to regain his crown at the expense of the young pretender, Brighterdaysahead from Ireland. This year's renewal has all the hallmarks of providing a vintage clash between the two talented hurdlers, while a supporting cast headed by last year's winner State Man adds some depth to a fascinating race, although the talented mare Lossiemouth has been switched to the Mares' Hurdle by Willie Mullins. The Cheltenham odds for this marquee event have fluctuated wildly all winter and will continue to do ahead of the race. So, stay in tune with the top prices offered by the best Cheltenham betting sites by checking across the prices offered by multiple betting sites on this page. We'll also consider where to use the Cheltenham free bets for this standout race. Champion Hurdle 2025 Odds Champion Hurdle 2025 Betting Preview – The Main Contenders Can Anyone Stop the Market Leader? At the time of writing, Constitution Hill is a warm favourite for the Champion Hurdle and rightly so given his perfect record of 10 wins from 10 starts over hurdles. A dual winner this year, the eight-year-old has already won a Champion Hurdle (2023) and was a late absentee from last year's race when appearing its likeliest winner. He must defy history to regain his crown two years later – only one of the past 48 winners have managed that feat – but if any horse is capable, it is Nicky Henderson's marquee hurdler. Constitution Hill announced his return from a setback with a commanding effort in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day and has since cantered to success in the Unibet Hurdle in January to confirm his well-being and position as market leader with the best betting sites for Cheltenham. Champion Hurdle 2025 Betting Tips Will Constitution Hill Return to the Winners' Circle? Given Constitution Hill has won all 10 of his starts over hurdles and his trainer Nicky Henderson is delighted with his progress following a saunter around Cheltenham on Trials Day it will be difficult. However, his Champion Hurdle odds are very short so value seekers may look to the talented Irish mare Brighterdaysahead who must surely be Constitution Hill's chief rival. Trainer Gordon Elliott is reportedly very bullish regarding his six-year-old's chance and why not given she pulverised five rivals when last seen in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown over Christmas. She is likely to be a recipient of a strong gallop courtesy of stablemate and pacemaker King Of Kingsfield and that should help her settle and race in a more relaxed manner than last year in the mares' novice hurdle where she suffered a surprise reverse. Key Challengers & Each-Way Value Bets Unfortunately, the 2025 Champion Hurdle looks like being a smaller field than normal with the likes of Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead dominating the market. Last year's winner State Man appears the chief danger to the main protagonists with stablemate Lossiemouth reportedly rerouted to the Mares' Hurdle. The former has looked somewhat of a shadow of himself this season and third appears the best he can hope for. If one of the main three don't live up to expectations, then Burdett Road may be able to sneak a place but check with your favoured betting apps to check each-way terms as there could be less than eight runners. If you're betting on an outsider in this race, it may be considering using free bets by capitalising on the larger odds without using your own funds. Champion Hurdle betting trends Using trends can be a smart way to pick the winner of the Champion Hurdle, below are a few of the more salient trends and statistics: 10 of the past 14 favourites have won the Champion Hurdle, including the last five renewals and eight of the last 10. 30 of the past 42 winners were aged six or seven years of age 12 of the past 14 winners were unbeaten during the current season Only 1 of the past 48 winners regained their crown Year Horse Trainer Jockey 2024 State Man Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2023 Constitution Hill Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 2022 Honeysuckle Henry de Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 2021 Honeysuckle Henry de Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 2020 Epatante Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty 2019 Espoir D'Allen Gavin Cromwell Mark Walsh 2018 Buveur D'Air Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty 2017 Buveur D'Air Nicky Henderson Noel Fehily 2016 Annie Power Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2015 Faugheen Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh Responsible Gambling Betting responsibly is essential, especially during the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Be sure to use responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to stay in control. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related problems, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7). Alternatively, seek help from these trusted organisations:
BBC News
25-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Constitution Hill impresses in Kempton workout
Trainer Nicky Henderson described Constitution Hill's performance as "perfect" as he impressed in a pre-Cheltenham Festival gallop at unbeaten eight-year-old is odds-on favourite to regain the Champion Hurdle title he won in 2023 in the feature race on the opening day of the Festival on Tuesday, 11 months ago, a similar workout saw a disappointing performance which led to him being off the track for a full year.A respiratory infection ended his bid for a Cheltenham defence before a suspected bout of colic ended his season missed his seasonal comeback in November after he was found to be lame but returned to the track with an easy win in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day at Kempton before a victory on Trials Day at Cheltenham last he shone in Tuesday's appearance at the Surrey track where he was ridden by regular pilot Nico de Boinville, who allowed him to pull clear of work partners That's Nice and Aston Martini while Henderson and owner Michael Buckley watched on."Nico's face, my face and Michael's face will probably tell you it's a different day [to last year]," said Henderson. "That's him and it's good to watch really isn't it - it's frightening to watch, actually."We've been so happy and you've just got to blank out last year. We knew before we actually came here last year that these horses weren't flying and it was going to be harder to get through, whereas today everything has gone perfect."It was great that you're [media] all here [to watch] and you can make your own minds up."
