Champion Hurdle 2025

I think Constitution Hill had the virus that engulfed the stable before the racecourse gallop; a twisted gut post recovery. Just recently news about him had been encouraging, unless one was dubious about the source.

If he turns up for the Fighting 5th, and trounces his rivals - there will be plenty taking him on this time possibly one of the two behemoths from Ireland he'll be odds-on once again.

But all these are conjecture until he actually delivers on the track.

yes , i pointed out about the 7/4 with books and 6/4 here, just a shame that 7/4 isnt nrnb, which books do early for chelt

Constitution Hill was obviously different league but he’s had respiratory problems and a wind operation. I can’t envisage him returning as good as he was. The news about him might be encouraging, but that doesn’t take into account how good his lungs are under pressure.
"Constitution Hill isn’t the greatest name he could have because his constitution is a little bit vulnerable. We have to mind him day and night because he can change shape very dramatically.“

A couple of iffies amongst shorties eg Constitution Hill (Fighting 5th) and Il Est Francais (King George). Will either turn up let alone win?
I personally would prefer State Man over Lossiemouth. Sir Gino will be a serious contender if CH is retired or an absentee.

Nicky Henderson working on a statement which he will be issuing soon.

Constition is "lame" and "unlikely" for Fighting Fifth.  This is not necessarily a retirement issue according to Henderson.  It is not known why he is lame.

Reading between the lines, I would say that he will certainly not be running in the Fighting Fifth.

Plus a retirement pending announcement. Why bring a horse back to disappoint and probably thrashed in a Gp 1 race? Any price for a retirement?

With the uninspiring performance from the reigning champion State Man in the Morgiana (Lossiemouth was a no-show) this is wide ope if Constitution Hill is no show again.

I think Mr Mullins will run Lossiemouth in a 2m champion hurdle prep race next time for sure post the eclipse of State Man.

Long way until March.

Mullins never has his big players ready this early.

The defeat today will not worry them.

I think State Man will be much better than this next time.  Lack of fitness, on soft going, seemed to catch him out.  However we already knew how good he is:  Able to win a Champion Hurdle in a weak year, but vulnerable against really top class opposition. I see Brighterdaysahead as the one to to take out of this.  She already looks a standout for the Mares Hurdle:  O'Leary always wants winners at Cheltenham and is not fussy about which races he goes for as long as he wins.

Brilliant performance from Lossiemouth today. In the last furlong she reminded me of Morley Street. The only chink in her armour is that she doesn’t settle. It doesn’t stop her winning but the jockey, feeling the need to restrain her, caused her to make a horlicks of the fourth last. She got away with it against a stayers’ hurdle horse but won’t be so easy at Cheltenham.

Bubbling up into a fascinating Champion Hurdle. 2 impressive trial winners & the last 2 Champions just needing to stamp their mark on the season.

I would trend towards State Man and Sir Gino from what we have seen so far. I know we keep getting hints that CH is getting back to his best but Sir Gino looked mighty impressive. The only doubt is the poor record of 5yos in the race. I have a £1 bet on Burdett Road but it looks a much deeper race now.

I would love to back Sir Gino e/w at its current price  but it wont run if CH runs.

Quite, If it was an intended runner it would be my choice all day despite the age of 5.

He'll either be odds-on or history after the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day Kempton.

Not running in the Hurdle so it is chasing next. I would have waited until next season but the trainer must believe that CH is better than him.