HILL HEADS STRAIGHT TO FESTIVAL

A MINOR hold-up has robbed racing fans of the chance to see superstar Constitution Hill before the Cheltenham Festival.

Nicky Henderson’s hurdler was in the frame to run at Prestbury Park’s trials event later this month.

However, the Seven Barrows handler has now scrapped his horse’s Unibet Champion Hurdle preparatory run on January 27.

Constitution Hill (right), unbeaten in eight races for the stable including last year’s renewal, will instead be readied for his March title defence. “Constitution Hill won’t be running on Trials Day at Cheltenham,” six-time champion trainer Henderson said yesterday.

“A routine scope last week wasn’t entirely satisfactory and we have run out of time to get him ready. Once he has been rescoped we will start his preparation for the Festival.”

One of the highest-rated hurdlers in the history of National Hunt racing, Constitution Hill added a second Christmas Hurdle to his record on Boxing Day.

On an official mark of 175 from BHA number crunchers, he has plenty in hand of the 22 entries received for the Festival’s day one showpiece.

William Hill make him their 1-5 favourite to retain his crown on March 12, with Nico de Boinville taking the reins.

The rider is targeting a quick return from a collarbone injury this weekend to ride another Henderson-trained star at Ascot.

Jonbon is on-course for a rematch with his Arkle conqueror El Fabiolo in the BETMGM Clarence House Chase .

De Boinville’s agent Sam Stronge said: “Nico hopes to be passed fit and we’ll know more later this week.”