30 March 2023 , 14:23
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Brilliant Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill may not be seen again over hurdles after his next start at the Randox Grand National meeting.
The jumps superstar is set to complete his campaign in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle on April 13, which will be his first start over two and a half miles.
He will then be schooled over fences and if he jumps well he could start next season in novice chases and be aimed at the Arkle Trophy at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
"It’s possible Aintree could be his last run over hurdles,” said Henderson. “Everything is possible.
“There are more opportunities over fences to start with, which would lead to the Arkle and the Champion Chase or maybe even the Gold Cup if he stays. A real superstar is a horse that can adapt to everything.”
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Constitution Hill has won all six starts over hurdles and produced an impressive performance at Cheltenham to win the Champion Hurdle by seven lengths from State Man.
Henderson said a decision on the direction he takes next season should be known before the end of April once he has spoken to owner Michael Buckley.
“It’ll certainly all happen after Aintree," he said. "Michael was down here the other day and we said what we would probably try and do is, about ten days after Aintree., if the ground hasn’t dried up too quickly, we’ll school him over fences here and that’ll give us an idea.
“Then we have the whole summer to sit down and discuss but if we’ve had one look at him schooling over fences Nico will know, and Michael and I will know, pretty well what are the options then.”