Nicky Henderson remains calm and confident leading up to the much-anticipated showdown this Saturday between Constitution Hill and rising star, The New Lion. Constitution Hill, a former unbeaten jumping sensation, faced setbacks last season with falls at prestigious events like the Champion Hurdle and Aintree.
Ahead of the new season, Henderson took proactive measures by subjecting Constitution Hill to thorough examinations, likened to a visit to the equine equivalent of Specsavers. Despite recent challenges, Constitution Hill is positioned as the third favorite in the upcoming Champion Hurdle, trailing behind Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth and The New Lion, the main contender for the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
The upcoming clash will test Constitution Hill against The New Lion, a victor at the Cheltenham Festival’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle. The competition also includes entries from notable contenders like Anzadam and Golden Ace. Coral’s odds place Constitution Hill and The New Lion as equal favorites, with Anzadam, Golden Ace, and Nemean Lion following closely.
Henderson expressed confidence in his horse’s preparation, emphasizing a positive training session with jockey Nico de Boinville. As the event approaches, Henderson affirmed his presence at Newbury while the owner, Michael Buckley, will attend the Newcastle race. The final lineup saw the addition of Nemean Lion, bringing the total competitors to five, showcasing a highly competitive field for the upcoming race.