Constitution Hill will miss out on the Unibet International Difficulty at Cheltenham this month after an unacceptable scope, fitness instructor Nicky Henderson has actually verified.
The ruling champ hurdler made an effective reappearance in the Christmas Difficulty at Kempton on Boxing Day, when he extended his unbeaten go to 8 with the minimum of difficulty.
Henderson had actually raised the possibility of a 2nd trip before his Cheltenham Celebration date in March, with the Unibet International Difficulty – rescheduled from the December conference to Trials day on January 27 – an alternative.
Nevertheless, a small concern has actually put paid to that possibility, with the 7 Barrows fitness instructor now outlining a direct course to his Champ Difficulty defence on March 12, for which he is the long odds-on favourite.
Henderson published on X: “We have actually hesitantly chosen that Constitution Hill will not have the ability to run in the Unibet Difficulty at Cheltenham at the end of next week.
Fitness Instructor Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill (left) and Shishkin (ideal) at 7 Barrows
” A regular scope recently wasn’t completely acceptable and a follow-up today reveals the concern hasn’t fixed and for that reason there would not be time to get him all set for next week.
” In the meantime he will continue with light workout, be re-scoped in a fortnight’s time and after that begin his preparation for March.
” Both Michael and I and all the group had actually quite expected a much better outcome today so that we might operate on Saturday week however in the horse’s and undoubtedly everyone’s interests, it would be absurd to do so and this does not effect any future strategies.”