Constitution Hill’s performance at the 2025 Punchestown Festival raised more questions than answers, as the formerly hugely impressive Supreme Novices and Champion Hurdle winner slumped to a disappointing second from last place finish in the Grade 1 Boodles Champion Hurdle. The connections and the racing public were understandably saddened to see the great horse slip from the form that previously saw him dominate the hurdling scene with a devastating blend of speed, accuracy, and consistency.

The anticipation surrounding Constitution Hill’s return to action after his fall in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle was palpable. But despite being considered one of the classiest hurdlers ever to set foot on a racecourse, he finished ahead of only one rival, well behind State Man, who delivered another textbook front-running display to win his third consecutive Punchestown Champion Hurdle under Paul Townend.

For Constitution Hill, the defeat was stark. He never looked comfortable at any point in the race, appearing hesitant at hurdles and lacking the fluency that had previously been his trademark. He seemed to "balloon" several of his hurdles, especially early on, a sign of the cautiousness that has clearly now crept into his jumping technique. Given the falls he sustained at both Cheltenham and Aintree earlier in the season, it’s likely that he has become more hesitant when it comes to his hurdle technique. His cautious approach may have contributed to his lackluster effort and failure to find his rhythm.

Henderson's Concerns Over Form and Fitness

Trainer Nicky Henderson was quick to express his concerns post-race, describing the performance as "uncharacteristically weak." His comments reflect more than just a passing disappointment. The trainer mentioned that further investigations would be required to get to the root of the problem, as the gelding’s performance was out of character for a horse of his calibre.

Veterinary checks, which included an assessment of Constitution Hill’s physical state, revealed some grazes to his right hind cannonbone and general soreness, but no significant injury was found. These issues may explain the lack of fluidity in his running, though they raise further questions about whether there’s more to his form struggles than just physical discomfort.

A Break and a Return to Action

Despite the setbacks, Henderson remains hopeful that Constitution Hill can regain his competitive edge. The plan is for the horse to have a well-deserved summer break to recover, with the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in November earmarked as a potential comeback target. There’s no rush, and the focus will be on ensuring that Constitution Hill returns at 100%—both physically and mentally—before targeting the big races once again.

While Punchestown marked a low point, the horse’s past achievements and his pedigree suggest that a revival is not beyond him. However, another piece of the sadness for the horse, his connections and racing fans is that he is not getting any younger and will be nine years old next year. Constitution Hill may have now sadly missed out on what should have been his prime seven and eight year old “salad day" years.

State Man’s Dominance and the Road Ahead

For State Man, the victory was another statement of his class, reaffirming his status as one of the division’s top performers. The race further solidified his position at the pinnacle of the hurdling ranks and raised questions about the future hierarchy within the division. With Constitution Hill now facing uncertainty, it’s clear that the competition in the hurdling ranks is as strong as ever.

As we look ahead to the next season, the big question remains: can Constitution Hill recapture his previous form, or is this the start of a decline for the once unassailable champion? The next few months will be crucial in determining his future as a leading contender in the hurdling division.