Nicky Henderson revealed Constitution Hill has undergone wind surgery as he looks forward to the new campaign with his star hurdler.
Although yet to taste defeat in eight starts under rules, the seven-year-old made it to the track only once last season, winning his second Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
National Hunt racing’s pre-eminent star was unable to defend his crown in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival due to a respiratory problem, while a possible comeback at Punchestown in the spring did not come off after he was hospitalised with suspected colic.
Henderson issued an upbeat report on Constitution Hill’s well-being after he returned from his summer break in July, though, and he has since undergone a minor operation ahead of a planned return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on 30 November.
Henderson told the Racing Post: “A few weeks ago [Constitution Hill] had wind surgery, which is there as an aid. It’s something which has occurred to us before, but we thought it was a good thing to do now while we had the time in case it reared its ugly head, rather than when we were in training and couldn’t afford the time.”
Quick GuideGreg Wood’s Friday tips
Show
Chester 1.40 Giselles Izzy 2.10 Herb Fennel 2.45 Bob Mali 3.20 Bibendum 3.50 Corsican Caper 4.30 The Crafty Mole 5.05 Mercurial 5.40 Aviemore
Doncaster 1.50 Subsequent (nb) 2.25 Jonquil 3.00 Coto De Caza 3.35 Trueshan 4.10 Cabrera (nap) 4.45 Kingsclere 5.20 Blinky 5.55 Strong Johnson
Sandown 2.00 Reservardo 2.35 Four Adaay 3.10 Glistening 3.40 Bintabuha 4.15 Star Of Orion 4.50 Come On You Spurs 5.25 Tipsy Tiger
Salisbury 3.15 Way Of Stars 3.55 Greydreambeliever 4.25 Camden Flyer 4.58 Jowddah 5.33 Military Academy 6.03 Quickthorn 6.35 Capote’s Dream 7.10 Moe’s Legacy
The operation comes after the horse moved to a new box at the trainer’s Seven Barrows yard last month.
Henderson added: “Everyone is very happy. It’s a very straightforward procedure and he was recently scoped to show that everything is 100%. He’s loving his new stable where he spends a lot of the day enjoying his field.”
