CONSTITUTION HILL is favourite for his blockbuster ‘race of the season’ rematch over in Ireland.
Nicky Henderson’s stable star suffered a devastating fall when sent off odds-on for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last week.
Can Constitution Hill stay upright in his bid to land the Irish Champion Hurdle?Sportsfile
Brighterdaysahead was billed as his big challenger but she folded tamely leaving the door open to State Man in the day one feature.
But he did a repeat of Annie Power’s infamous fall and went at the last with the race at his mercy.
With Lossiemouth having been sent to win the Mares’ Hurdle, that left the door open for 50-1 Golden Ace to spring a shock.
It was the most drama-packed Cheltenham race ever – and punters look set to see it all over again at the Punchestown Festival, which starts next month.
Henderson has already confirmed Constitution Hill is all set for his first race away from Britain.
While, providing he is well, State Man will surely line up to defend his crown.
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Lossiemouth was way too good for the other mares and owner Rich Ricci could fancy a crack at what he missed out on at Cheltenham.
Brighterdaysahead was massively disappointing but could have another spin before going chasing.
And Jeremy Scott, who originally didn’t want to run Golden Ace in the Champion Hurdle, said his top horse is booked for Punchestown too.
The Irish Champion Hurdle on May 2 has all the makings of a true classic – and a fierce betting heat.
Paddy Power have Constitution Hill the evens favourite while State Man is 5-2.
Lossiemouth has been clipped into 11-4 with Brighterdaysahead 5-1 and Golden Ace 14s.
Scott said: “Unfortunately, Aintree will come too soon for her, given that she raced at Wincanton three weeks earlier, so that’s pretty much our only option left if the ground behaves and the horse is OK.
“She seems very well, absolutely fine, although she’s taken a while to process it.
“She was probably as stunned as we were. It’s a big thing for them, all that crowd noise.
“We fully appreciate that we were probably very lucky to win at Cheltenham, but Punchestown is always a very good trip and not to be sniffed at if we are able to go.”
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