Henderson praises ‘happy’ Constitution Hill, while Gold Cup contenders gallop at Newbury

Members and media arrived bright and early at Newbury Racecourse on Tuesday for the Coral Gold Cup Gallops Morning.

Contenders for the race on November 30th were sent around the course in preparation for the 3m 1f Class 1 handicap at the end of the month.

As intermittent snow fell, punters, horses and trainers alike braved the cold to witness some of the best racehorses in the country being put through their paces.

The star attraction, although not contenders for the Gold Cup, was Nicky Henderson’s pairing of Constitution Hill and Sir Gino.

The former is set to contest the Fighting Fifth in Newcastle on the 30th, and Henderson was pleased with what he saw from the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner as he prepares for competition following a year full of misfortune.

“It was great to get the work into him,” Henderson told the assembled media.

“He needed a gallop and he’s had one. He had a good blow.

“He hasn’t jumped a hurdle yet, and although I don’t think he needs to, it just does keep their eye in.”

Some online commentators were disappointed not to see Henderson’s star contender fly past on the bridle, showing his full capabilities, but the Lambourn trainer did not expect that to happen in any case.

“He needed a little wake up, as we had to get serious, and we have,” he said

“This horse has had nothing wrong, just bad luck.

“He had a bit of colic and as long as you don’t have surgery it’s irrelevant.”

Henderson also discussed alterations to Constitution Hill’s box, which he says has done the horse a world of good.

“I had this idea to knock a hole in the wall. He goes in and out as he likes,” he said.

“It’s an en suite really!

“He comes out, wanders round, has a roll, has a bite of grass, then he trots back in.

"He’s very happy, I think everybody would agree, he looks happier.

“His mind is so brilliant. His mindset is fantastic, he doesn’t worry about anything.”

Amid the online reaction to Tuesday’s outing however, Constitution Hill was replaced as favourite for the Champion Hurdle, moving out to 7/4 and allowing Lossiemouth to lead the betting.

He’s still favourite for the Fighting Fifth however, with the racing world hoping to see his full power on show in Newcastle.

He was not the only attraction on the day, as Local trainer Harry Derham brought Sir Psycho, Queens Gamble, Ascending Lark and Jus De Citron for an outing.

Contenders for the Coral Gold Cup were out in force.

Dan Skelton’s Heltenham, Paul Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid, Ben Pauling’s Henry’s Friend and Shakem Up’arry were all in good condition, the latter owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp.

All eyes now turn to the 30th, with the Gold Cup set to return to Newbury Racecourse.

Tickets for Coral Long Distance Hurdle Day on the 29th, and Coral Gold Cup day are still available at newburyracecourse.co.uk