Constitution Hill to End Jumping Career after Henderson Rules Out Champion Hurdle

Nicky Henderson confirmed on February 26, 2026 that Constitution Hill will not run in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, a decision that ends the horse’s jumping career and removes a high-profile name from the marquee two-mile hurdle contest. Henderson cited concern over risk following Constitution Hill’s recent performances as the reason for ruling him out.

The announcement on February 26 leaves connections with a clear break in the training plan for the six-figure-rated hurdler, who will not be aimed at the Cheltenham showpiece. Henderson’s confirmation brings an immediate closure to any speculation about a late return to top-level hurdling this season and frames the horse’s next steps as off the jumps.

Constitution Hill’s absence reshapes the Champion Hurdle picture at Cheltenham Festival by taking a prominent contender out of the entry mix. Promoters, opposing trainers and bettors now face a revised field for the two-mile championship, and Henderson’s public decision sharpens attention on which remaining runners will vie for the title in the horse’s stead.

Henderson made clear the move was driven by precaution after recent performances, prioritizing the horse’s welfare over a festival appearance. With the jumping career concluded, the immediate responsibility shifts to Constitution Hill’s owners and Henderson to determine the gelding’s future program, whether that involves alternative roles away from hurdles or retirement from competition entirely.

This marks a definitive change for a horse that had been in the conversation for the Champion Hurdle this season. Henderson’s ruling out of Cheltenham on February 26, 2026 closes the chapter on Constitution Hill’s jumping career and sets up a new sequence of decisions for connections to announce in the coming days.