Constitution Hill: Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Preview

This preview examines Constitution Hill and his chief rivals ahead of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, focusing on form, tactics and bookmaker context. 18+ only — if you choose to bet, do so responsibly and within your limits.

Form, Trainer Notes and Cheltenham Course Analysis

We look at recent races, trainer commentary and how the Cheltenham track may influence the outcome, while avoiding speculative promises about results. This analysis aims to inform readers and help them compare horses and markets without encouraging risky behaviour.

Of every horse paraded around Cheltenham at this year’s festival there can surely be no bigger certainty. At least, on paper.

Constitution Hill doesn’t just do wins; they come with elan, grace, elegance and above all sheer thunder.

Having romped to the Supreme Novices’ crown last year on his Cheltenham bow, Nico De Boinville has since not seen his mount win by less than 12 lengths.

Even those two occasions saw veritable canters to victory at Sandown last January and also at Newcastle at the start of the calendar year.

Looking to seal the Champion Hurdle this year, can anyone touch Constitution Hill at Cheltenham?

A sporting Constitution

When we talk about Constitution Hill, this horse lives up to his name.

But such the meteoric rise to stardom, his career has not yet reached its two-year anniversary.

Nevertheless, trainer Nicky Henderson has groomed one of the finest thoroughbreds around, even if a maiden outing saw his only career defeat to date.

Pipped by a head to Anyharminasking at Tipperary in April 2021, this rest as they say is history.

Almost to underline the scorn of losing his first race, the distance this British gelding has won by from that point has been startling.

Preparing for Cheltenham with successive destructive takedowns of last year’s runner-up Epatante, Constitution had marked territory for this very week in March.

Yet, it was the size of winning margin 12 months ago that still stands as the most staggering of performances.

A year on from that 22-length blitz of Jonbon, can any horse even hope to hold a candle when faced with the might of Constitution Hill and the Cheltenham roar?

State Man lurks

The one figure who threatens to play spoiler is State Man.

Simply put, there is no true way to compare just how Willie Mullins’ 6yo could match up to the might of his foe.

However, after taking down Honeysuckle and Vauban this term, the pedigree is there, not to mention State Man being a Cheltenham winner last year in the County Hurdle.

Then, there is also the small matter of a six-win streak coming into this contest.

The general consensus is, if State Man can remain with Constitution Hill turning for home and heading up the hill, Paul Townend will fancy his chances of going nose to nose with Nico.

But getting to that point is going to be a tough task. 1/4 odds say as much.

If stable reports are to be believed, Constitution Hill is coming into the best form of the season just in time for Cheltenham week.

For all that stand before him, that is a fearsome thought.

Constitution Hill’s Recent Races and Winning Margins

Constitution Hill has produced emphatic victories at high-profile meetings and the raw margins underline a superior level of performance over rivals. Analysts will study pace maps and sectional times to determine whether those margins are repeatable on softer ground or against a stronger mid-race challenge.

Nico De Boinville’s Riding Style and Impact

Nico De Boinville pairs intelligence and timing with a strong sense of tempo, often positioning Constitution Hill to explode through mid-race openings. His decision-making at the last two hurdles has been decisive, giving the horse the best chance to extend in the clear.

Nicky Henderson’s Training Methods and Form

Nicky Henderson tends to freshen top juvenile hurdlers for Championship targets and build racecraft around hill finishes at Cheltenham. Recent stable comments and schooling reports suggest the yard has been shaping Constitution Hill specifically for the Champion Hurdle challenge.

State Man: Form, Strengths and Cheltenham Record

State Man arrives with a sequence of wins and Cheltenham experience, which cannot be dismissed when assessing the likely tempo of the race. Willie Mullins’ planning typically aims to exploit late-race stamina and positional advantage on the run-in.

Tactical Scenarios: How The Race Could Be Run

Expect scenarios ranging from a strongly-run race that exposes stamina depths to a slower, tactical affair favouring acceleration over endurance. How the leaders set fractions and whether State Man can stick with a fast-accelerating Constitution Hill will determine the finishing order.

Course Conditions, Ground and Weather Considerations

Cheltenham’s going often decides whether an emphatic favourite can reproduce dominant margins, with soft ground more likely to blunt a turn of foot. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and official going reports for actionable context on race day.

Betting Angles, Market Moves and Value Considerations

Markets will reflect the narrative — heavy support for Constitution Hill, with State Man as the principal alternative and a scattering of each-way and novelty plays elsewhere. Value for cautious punters can sometimes be found by analysing 12-month formlines, trainer percentages and jockey strike-rates rather than headline odds alone.

Past Champion Hurdle Trends And What They Tell

Historical patterns show that Champion Hurdle winners often combine a high cruising speed with a sharp turn of foot and experience over Cheltenham’s hill. Trends also highlight that absence or tiny fields can create unique tactical puzzles; these factors should guide comparative assessment rather than supplying certainty.

In-running Tactics and the Hill Finish at Cheltenham

In-running judgement is crucial on Cheltenham’s uphill finish — a jockey who times the challenge and conserves momentum often gains ground where others misjudge. For punters who watch the race unfold, in-running prices can reflect late recognition of stamina or tactical advantage.

How To Use Bookmaker Comparison Tools Responsibly

Comparison tools help spot differing odds and promotional terms across firms, enabling informed choices without pressuring stakes or frequency. If you choose to use those tools, check minimum deposit and withdrawal conditions, and remember that 18+ rules apply to all UK betting accounts.

How Punters Should Approach The Market Safely

Adopt a staking plan that limits risk to a small, affordable portion of your entertainment budget and avoid chasing losses. Set deposit limits, use cooling-off periods if needed and consult bookmaker responsible-gambling tools if betting behaviour becomes a concern.

Final Thoughts For The Champion Hurdle Meeting

Constitution Hill stands out on form and finishing power, while State Man offers a proven Cheltenham profile that could create a tactical contest. There are no certainties in racing; any view should be rounded by responsible bankroll control and comparison of markets before committing funds.

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Is Constitution Hill the clear favourite at Cheltenham?

On form and recent margins he is widely supported, but horse racing always carries uncertainty and variation in conditions. 18+ only — gamble responsibly and avoid staking more than you can afford to lose.

How does State Man compare on current form?

State Man has a string of wins and Cheltenham form that mark him as the most credible rival to Constitution Hill. This comparison should be viewed through form lines and race conditions rather than market hype.

What role does the jockey influence play here?

Jockey decisions on pace and positioning can be pivotal on the Cheltenham hill, where timing the challenge is essential. Experienced riders with a strong record on the course often provide an intangible advantage without guaranteeing success.

How should bettors approach prices and value?

Look for discrepancies between bookmakers, take account of non-runner rules and consider each-way options where applicable. Use comparison tools responsibly and remember that perceived value is not a guarantee of return.

Will course and weather materially affect the race?

Yes — ground and weather influence both the speed of the race and how horses handle the hill, which can alter expected outcomes. Always check official going reports close to race time.

Where can I compare bookmaker offers responsibly?

You can use our comparison pages to view free bet terms and sign-up offers, but compare T&Cs carefully and prioritise licensed UK operators. 18+ only — for guidance on safer play, consult bookmaker responsible gambling pages.

Are there safer staking plans for racing punters?

Flat-percentage staking or small fixed stakes based on a pre-set entertainment budget help control losses and reduce volatility. Keep limits in place, and seek support if gambling feels like it is becoming a problem.