2024 Champion Hurdle (Previously Constitution Hill thread)

[Brooksie]

Haha, cheers Brooksie

I'll say a prayer to the weather gods for you buddy

[Carnage at Taunton]

Bless you my friend
Anyone else fancy a prayer, feel free

[Kevloaf]

What Nicky has actually said for today:


Speaking on X, Henderson said: "Due to the extremely testing going, we have decided that Constitution Hill will not run in today's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown because it would simply not be fair to race him under such extreme conditions on his first run of the season.
"It is too close to Boxing Day, and he can't do both, so, all being well, he'll go straight to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle."

[Carnage at Taunton]

What Nicky has actually said for today:


Speaking on X, Henderson said: "Due to the extremely testing going, we have decided that Constitution Hill will not run in today's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown because it would simply not be fair to race him under such extreme conditions on his first run of the season.
"It is too close to Boxing Day, and he can't do both, so, all being well, he'll go straight to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle."

Fair enough I’d say

[Big Bucks]

What Nicky has actually said for today:


Speaking on X, Henderson said: "Due to the extremely testing going, we have decided that Constitution Hill will not run in today's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown because it would simply not be fair to race him under such extreme conditions on his first run of the season.
"It is too close to Boxing Day, and he can't do both, so, all being well, he'll go straight to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle."

I dont see an issue with that at all. That's fair imo. Think some people giving Nicky a hard time over nothing here.

[Craigy14]

I dont see an issue with that at all. That's fair imo. Think some people giving Nicky a hard time over nothing here.

Aye it’s fair, least he’s not spouting the welfare issue etc.

I don’t have a problem with it but frustrating as he’s ran on heavy before at Sandown, although it does seem to be pretty bad if he seems to be pulling most of the hurdlers entered today, although impose toi is still in at this stage.

[archie]

Up to 2 weeks to let a horse down after running on heavy, particularly first time out, and up to 2 more weeks to get them back ready to run again.

It's clearly more dangerous to run a NH horse on firm ground, partly because of the percussive impact on joints and partly because horses tend to go quicker. Speed kills. That said, it's absolutely fair to say that running on heavy might not be in the horse's best interests with the rest of the season in mind.

As for the tosh about the 'paying public' having the right to demand horses running at their command, I'll be happy to provide an account number for them to pay my training fees. The owner/trainer dynamic is fluid and varied depending on the characters involved. We've all seen big owners move horses for different reasons but most owners take the view that it's not wise to buy a dog and then bark yourself.

[Lobos]

Kev, where's the emoji for Nob Head.

Nicky needs a huge one next to his name.

I'm glad JP has pulled rank and Jonbon runs.

The other owners need a good shaking.

Desert Orchid would be turning in his grave.

[FinalFurlong91]

Aye it’s fair, least he’s not spouting the welfare issue etc.

I don’t have a problem with it but frustrating as he’s ran on heavy before at Sandown, although it does seem to be pretty bad if he seems to be pulling most of the hurdlers entered today, although impose toi is still in at this stage.

He has run on heavy before but that wasn't his first run of the season

If he was mine he'd be waiting till kempton so can completely understand the decision

[Lobos]

He has run on heavy before but that wasn't his first run of the season

If he was mine he'd be waiting till kempton so can completely understand the decision

And if Kempton is frozen off he's got an even bigger problem. Love Envoi is having her first run today after a leg fracture.

[FinalFurlong91]

And if Kempton is frozen off he's got an even bigger problem. Love Envoi is having her first run today after a leg fracture.

Remember when Hendo didn't want to run Altior on soft ground over 2m5f vs cyrname but gave into public pressure?

Horse was never the same again

Was his decision to run that day good or bad for racing?

I'd say it was bad in the long run as the sports superstar at the time never returned to his brilliant best

With these great horses I have no problem with him waiting a couple of weeks.

Kempton being frozen off is an unknown so can't be factored in

As long as he didn't say the ground Is dangerous, id have a big issue with that

[Runragged]

although impose toi is still in at this stage.

Henderson yard seems to be out of form somewhat and Impose Toi is a McManus handicapper. A 'poor' run wouldn't do his handicap mark any harm...

[Carnage at Taunton]

Kev, where's the emoji for Nob Head.

Nicky needs a huge one next to his name.

I'm glad JP has pulled rank and Jonbon runs.

The other owners need a good shaking.

Desert Orchid would be turning in his grave.

Got that wrong, Jonbon always going to run.
Nowt to do with JP pulling rank.
Sort yourself out Lobos!!

[Lobos]

Got that wrong, Jonbon always going to run.
Nowt to do with JP pulling rank.
Sort yourself out Lobos!!

[Guinness Village]

Nice to see, but it’s probably taken a fair bit out of him in a competitive race. Hendo will want a penalty kick before Cheltenham, that’s for sure