Constitution Hill returned to racing on Thursday afternoon win with a massively impressive win in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park.
It was the first race for the Nicky Henderson-trained horse since a win at this race exactly one year ago. Constitution Hill is a force of nature, but was famously was forced to miss Cheltenham last year due to an injury and also underwent wind surgery earlier in the year.
Today's race was billed as an England v Ireland duel with Willie Mullins's Lossiemouth generating huge buzz in the build-up to the race.
There was uncertainty over what form the 2023 Champion Hurdle king would bring to Kempton today, but a composed ride from Nico de Boinville meant that victory was never really in doubt.
Constitution Hill is back! 💥
He wins the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle for the third year in a row! 🏆🏆🏆#ITVRacing | @kemptonparkrace | @NdeBoinville | @sevenbarrows pic.twitter.com/fBoBQ0EVcj— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 26, 2024
de Boinville has words for Paddy Brennan after Constitution Hill wins
After the victory, de Boinville was eager to settle a few scores with those who'd doubted Constitution Hill. Speaking to Matt Chapman of ITV, he specifically had words for Galway jockey and pundit Paddy Brennan, who said on a podcast that Lossiemouth would defeat Constitution Hill.
He felt fantastic. I think he's had a bit of a blow going into the last there, so he's going to improve an awful lot. There's still a bit of ring-rustiness being off for a year or so. I think all credit has to be taken to the guv'nor [Henderson]. All hands have to be taken off to him. Because that is some training performance. Delighted. Jayden who looks after him, Matthew who rides him every day. It's been a long time coming, but it's definitely worth the wait.
And one more thing, Paddy Brennan, you can shove that where the sun don't shine.
🗣️ "Paddy Brennan, you can shove that where the sun don't shine!"
🗣️ "I think there's improvement to come now, I really do."
Nico de Boinville believes Constitution Hill is back in business. #Kempton | #VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/P81UIDMQjZ— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2024
Brennan made the bold call on the Unbridled podcast for At The Races with Chapman. In their preview of today's race, Brennan was so confident in Lossiemouth winning he bet him a day out in London.
Chapman: 'Of course the problem with all of this is if Constitution Hill comes back, none of these have even the remotest chance of seeing him, let along getting close to him. If he's back to a peak
Brennan: He's won't be
Chapman: Why won't he be?
Brennan: I just can't see it.
Chapman: What can't you see?
Brennan: I can't see him coming back to a peak. No, just no.
Chapman: Impossible?
Brennan: I think it's impossible to beat something like Lossiemouth. The way things stands today.
You can view the clip below.
Constitution Hill vs Lossiemouth is on!Constitution Hill 🆚 Lossiemouth... it's on in the Christmas Hurdle!
Matt Chapman 🆚 Paddy Brennan #Unbridled
Posted by At The Races on Monday, December 23, 2024
The At The Races twitter account shared this photo of Brennan and de Boinville which suggests there's not too much animosity between the pair.
🗣️ "Paddy Brennan, you can shove that where the sun don't shine!"@NdeBoinville 🤝 @PaddyBrennan81 pic.twitter.com/Bqe2nSFOhV
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 26, 2024
Constitution Hill is now 4/6 favourite to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. De Boinville says the horse has some improving to do before then, which is ominous indeed.
