Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, has been withdrawn from the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot following a series of setbacks this spring including tumbles at both Cheltenham and Aintree. Despite Henderson floating the tantalising idea of his hurdling phenomenon trying his luck on the flat, the eight-year-old is now set for a restful summer break after a less-than-stellar run at Punchestown.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing at Newbury, Henderson shared: “He’s good and he’s actually been having various tests throughout the week. He had a body and bone scan which actually told us very little and there is nothing chronically bad about it at all at the moment.
“We did actually take him out of the Gold Cup at Ascot this morning and he will very shortly be going to Charlie Vigors (of Hillwood Stud) for his summer holiday. I think some R and R is the best thing for him.”
The Seven Barrows stable isn’t emptying though, as another one of Henderson’s charges, Sir Gino, is recovering from a leg injury under his attentive care. The trainer added: “He’s good and he’s still at Seven Barrows. Gradually we are getting there and he’s walking further and further. Hopefully we’ll get him out in a field before too long.”