Constitution Hill ruled out of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival

After much speculation, Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill will not run at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

The unbeaten star will not defend his Champion Hurdle crown after suffering from an infection when working poorly at Kempton last week.

On the decision, Constitution Hill's trainer Henderson said: "Very sadly we are going to have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore have to declare that he will not be running there this year.

"He has undoubtedly improved over the weekend and seems noticeably brighter than he was at the end of last week and I really did think he was much perkier when ridden this morning.

"Unfortunately the all-important blood test shows that although the figures figures have also improved, they are quite a way from being satisfactory for a horse to commence serious training and to race in a week's time."

Henderson has vowed that it's in their best interests to have a "fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year".

Constitution Hill was the talk of Cheltenham last year after winning the Champion Hurdle by a stunning nine lengths, with horse racing fans marvelling at the sport's newest superstar.

The seven-year-old has only made one start this season at Kempton on Boxing Day, and missed the Cheltenham Trials day in January due to fitness concerns.

2024 Cheltenham Festival goers have been denied the opportunity to watch Constitution Hill attempt to retain the Champion Hurdle title, opening the door for Willie Mullins' in-form State Man to enter the race as 4/11 favourite.

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Jaquob Crooke

• Cheltenham Racecourse
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