In a remarkable testament to his unrivaled stardom, the unbeaten hurdling sensation Constitution Hill is set to draw a colossal crowd of over 20,000 to Cheltenham Racecourse this Saturday for what amounts to an exhibition gallop. The Nicky Henderson-trained superstar, already heralded by many as the greatest hurdler in history, faces just four overmatched rivals in the Grade 2 Unibet International Hurdle – his final prep before a seemingly inevitable coronation in the Champion Hurdle at March’s Cheltenham Festival.
So lopsided is the contest that bookmakers initially priced Constitution Hill at a scarcely believable 1/10, which would make him the shortest-priced favorite in any race at Cheltenham this century. Those odds speak volumes about the eight-year-old’s utter dominance and have propelled him to bona fide mainstream celebrity status seldom seen in jump racing.
A Horse of a Lifetime
Since his debut in late 2021, Constitution Hill has been nothing short of a revelation, winning all five starts by a combined 77 lengths. His breathtaking 22-length annihilation of a quality field in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle had seasoned observers grasping for superlatives, while his 12-length romp in the Fighting Fifth on seasonal reappearance showcased a horse firmly at the peak of his powers.
I don’t think we’ll be slaying Goliath. I think it will be a weird little race, as everyone other than Constitution Hill is going to be trying to finish second.
Harry Derham, trainer of rival Brentford Hope
Henderson, the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, has been effusive in his praise, labeling Constitution Hill the best he’s ever had the privilege of training. For a yard that has housed legends like Sprinter Sacre and Altior, that is extraordinarily high praise indeed.
A Timely Boost for the Sport
Constitution Hill’s immense popularity couldn’t come at a better time for British jump racing, which has endured a challenging year marked by high-profile scandals and unsavory headlines. In an era of public skepticism about equine welfare, he is a much-needed good news story – a prodigious homegrown talent campaigned with patience and care by the sport’s elder statesman.
Saturday’s race will serve as a tantalizing appetizer for what is sure to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of 2025 – Constitution Hill’s bid for a second Champion Hurdle title. Having already smashed the course record in last year’s renewal, talk of an unbeaten season and a tilt at the Stayers’ Hurdle has racing fans positively giddy with excitement.
- Unbeaten in 5 starts by a combined 77 lengths
- Highest-rated hurdler in Anglo-Irish jump racing history
- Shortest priced Cheltenham Festival favourite in over 50 years
Jump Racing’s Shining Star
While victory on Saturday is all but assured barring calamity, all eyes will be on the manner of Constitution Hill’s performance. Many will hope to see him cut loose in the manner of his spectacular Supreme triumph, treating the Cheltenham faithful to an awe-inspiring display of speed, power, and sheer equine brilliance.
Regardless of the winning margin, one thing is crystal clear – in an era of equine athletes measured in fractions and inches, Constitution Hill is that rarest of specimens…a true giant of the game. As he jogs back to the hallowed winner’s enclosure on Saturday to deafening applause, an entire sport will unite to salute a jump racing icon.
