Champion two-miler Constitution Hill faced little in the way of opposition in the Gr2 Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham last Saturday afternoon. Trials Day it may have been, but as his starting price of 1/12 indicated, this was little more than an exercise gallop.
Constitution Hill wins Gr2 Unibet Hurdle (Pic – Irish Racing on Threads)
Brentford Hope did give him a lead for the first part of the race but by then Nico de Boinville had had enough and eased Constitution Hill into the lead in the back straight.
He never appeared to come out of second gear and although the field did close up a little approaching the last, Constitution Hill was cruising under a motionless de Boinville.
What followed at the final hurdle however, had those who had taken the short odds left with high blood levels and sweaty palms.
Constitution Hill seemed to lose concentration and jumped late resulting in him clattering through the hurdle, and for a split second looking in deep trouble.
Somehow, he managed to navigate the error and, still on the bridle, sauntered up the final furlong to win easily.
Brentford Hope rallied to beat the remainder to finish a three length second.
“My heart was in my mouth,” said jockey Nico de Boinville. “He was just doing it so easily and he was either on a long one or just going to fiddle away and he’s done something in the middle, but he found a leg and that was fine. He wouldn’t even blow a candle out here, he’s hardly blowing.”
“It’s fantastic and to have him back at Cheltenham as well, it’s great that everyone has come to see him. Delighted with him, just angry at myself really.”
A relieved Henderson said: “He was very good, of course he was. Once he gets the bit between his teeth, as they say, he was off and there’s no point holding him up from thereon; nothing was going to take him along. He enjoyed himself and I suppose if anything he was just getting a little bit dreamy at the last.”
The favourite obliged in the other Group 2 on the day, the Betfair Cotswold Chase, but this looked a lot more competitive.
L’Homme Presse (4/5 favourite) edged out Stage Star to win by just three parts of a length, but in truth it was rather more comfortable then the margin suggests.
Last seen finishing third in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, the Venetia Williams trained chaser won under a confident Charlie Deutsch who only resorted to the stick once after jumping the final fence.
It had been some time since Stage Star had shown his best form, but he appeared to enjoy himself out in front although L’Homme Presse and Gentlemansgame were never too far away.
Two out and Gentlemansgame and Chantry House were readily left behind as the front two kicked on.
They couldn’t be separated at the last although Stage Star was now under a ride while L’Homme Presse was still travelling. Charlie Deutsch didn’t get serious with his partner as they did just enough to secure a notable and confidence boosting win.
Trainer Williams observed: “I think Charlie is blowing more than the horse. Stage Star, on his day, is a good horse but we haven’t seen that for a bit. L’Homme Presse was very laid back the whole way round, his jumping was superb. We’ll see about the Gold Cup now.”
