Fallen star Constitution Hill flops again at Punchestown Festival

Star hurdler Constitution Hill looked a shadow of his former self as he trailed home second last at the Punchestown Festival. The brilliant 2023 Champion Hurdle hero had fallen in his previous two races at Cheltenham and Aintree and was trying to redeem his reputation.

But although he managed a clear round in the Boodles Champion Hurdle, he was never travelling with his usual zest under stand-in jockey James Bowen. He ballooned the first flight in the Grade One contest and also made an error at the second last which left him with too much to do.

The race was won by 2024 Champion Hurdle winner State Man who made all the running under Paul Townend. State Man was also a faller at Cheltenham in the Champion Hurdle in March when he had the race at his mercy at the final flight.

This time he winged the jumps as he easily repelled Golden Ace and Kargese. Trainer Nicky Henderson said of Constitution Hill’s blow-out, the nine-year-old’s first defeat when completing: “It’s disappointing – he was beaten two out and something has obviously gone wrong.

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“It was like flicking a switch.” On State Man, trainer said: "It's the performance we always thought he had in him.

"In fairness to Constitution Hill, I don't think he turned up on the day. It's very hard to travel from England after having two falls and things just didn't go right for him.

"Our fella has run his true race and that's been a constant thing in his racing life, he always turns up and runs his race. It was a huge performance.

"He's just very genuine without ever being flashy. I think the cheekpieces have made him a bit flashier than he used to be. He's a lazy horse and cheekpieces just help him.

"Paul has been adamant about this horse for the last few years, people are going on about Lossiemouth and State Man - he's always thought State Man every day of the week and it's been proven.

"I think we were all waiting for this contest and it delivered. We're just delighted."