‘Any clown could train this horse’
CONSTITUTION Hill was an easy winner of the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
The five-year-old is unbeaten under rules and was a 1-4 chance going into the Grade One, odds that did not look unfounded as he made all of the running and jumped with complete fluency.
Partnered by Nico de Boinville, he pulled clear of stablemate and two-time winner Epatante, crossing the line at a canter to win by 12 lengths with any amount in hand.
Paddy Power cut Constitution Hill from evens to 8-11 favourite for the Champion Hurdle, with Coral going 4-7 from 5-4 for the Cheltenham highlight.
Trainer Nicky Henderson was not at Newcastle, instead opting to saddle his Newbury runners, but was thoroughly impressed with the performance.
He said: “He’s an amazing horse. I couldn’t have been happier with Epatante, she’s run a great race and she’s been in terrific form. For him to do that to her is ridiculous really.
“I have to say any clown could probably train this horse. He is completely unflappable.”