Nicky Henderson Confirms Constitution Hill Will Miss York’s Sky Bet Ebor

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill will not line up in next month’s Sky Bet Ebor after the trainer admitted there was simply not enough time to qualify the popular nine-year-old for York’s prestigious handicap.

The former champion hurdler was initially included among the entries for the historic contest at the Ebor Festival, only to be withdrawn before Tuesday’s midday confirmation deadline. Although Constitution Hill has adapted impressively to life on the Flat this season, Henderson revealed the qualification requirements ultimately ruled out a trip to York.

The Michael Buckley-owned star has made just two appearances on the Flat, most recently winning in March, but needed a third qualifying run before next week to be eligible for the £500,000 feature race. Henderson explained that finding a suitable race in time was never a realistic option.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Seven Barrows trainer said: “He’s got to have a third run before he could have gone to the Ebor and I’ve just not got time for that. I haven’t got a race in mind for him at the moment. I talked to Michael this morning, we’re going to have a sit down.

“He’d be ready for the Ebor, but he’s not qualified. We’ll have to do something else, if only there was a good Listed race for him somewhere. There’s no plans, but we’re going to make one. He was in good form this morning, he seemed very happy.”

Henderson was speaking after attending a Westminster Hall debate focused on the future of British horseracing, where discussions included the possibility of Kempton Park being redeveloped for housing.

The trainer also highlighted Constitution Hill’s successful record at the Surrey venue, adding: “Kempton’s been the big conversation today but we ought to bring Constitution Hill up again – he’s won two Christmas Hurdles and that all-weather race. He’s not a bad advertisement for the track.”

After dominating over hurdles for several seasons, Constitution Hill has enjoyed an encouraging fresh start on the Flat following a difficult spell that saw him fall in three of his previous four jumps outings. The switch has been an immediate success, with Henderson’s stable star winning both all-weather starts in convincing fashion.

His first Flat success came by an emphatic nine-and-a-half lengths before following up with another comfortable victory despite carrying a 7lb penalty, raising hopes that he could become a fascinating contender for one of the summer’s biggest handicaps.

However, with the Ebor now off the agenda, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley will instead turn their attention towards finding an alternative target later in the campaign.

Although Constitution Hill will not feature at York, Henderson could still be represented in the race by Goblet Of Fire, one of 71 horses currently entered for the £500,000 handicap on August 22.