Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth locked in for Christmas Hurdle clash

There may only be four horses lining up for the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at on Boxing Day, but amongst that quartet are two of the biggest names in the sport.

The chances of and meeting anywhere before Cheltenham might have been seen as quite fanciful at the start of the season, yet here we are with a race to savour.

It is one that should answer some questions too, as while Constitution Hill is still unbeaten, he has not been seen since winning this race 12 months ago.

Nicky Henderson appears optimistic he has Constitution Hill in shape to do himself justice, although having to give weight to Willie Mullins’ race-fit mare complicates the equation after such an absence.

“It’s a credit to everyone here at Seven Barrows that he is able to return to Kempton following the well-documented issues we have had with him in the intervening time,” he said in his Unibet blog.

“I must say Constitution Hill is in really good shape – I’ve never seen him look better; he is super in his skin and is a very happy person, while his work here has been excellent.

“But I must say we go into this race with our eyes wide open and unlike last year’s race there is a super potent opponent in the shape of Lossiemouth, who has both the benefit of a recent run and that 7lb mares’ allowance which will make things very interesting. It’s a big advantage, while we’re entitled to come on for the run.

“That leads me to believe that Constitution Hill doesn’t have to win on this occasion, as much as we would love to. He will undoubtedly be beaten one day and I fear that this might be the one. I sincerely believe that whatever happens here, he will be the horse they all have to beat in the Unibet Champion Hurdle in March.”

Lossiemouth has only been beaten once in her career, when meeting traffic problems at Leopardstown in February last year. She is twice a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and last time out dismissed Teahupoo and the rest in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.

Patrick Mullins is assistant to his father and said: “We’re very excited to send Lossiemouth over for the Christmas Hurdle, it’s obviously been lucky for us in the past with Faugheen.

“I suppose it all comes down to which Constitution Hill turns up. If the real Constitution Hill stands up he’s going to be very difficult to beat, but if he’s in any way not near his best, our mare will be ready to take advantage.

“It should be a fascinating contest and I can’t wait to watch it.”

Hoping to crash the party is James Owen with Burdett Road, a quality performer who was in action on the Flat to some effect over the summer and won the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

“We have a big task ahead, it’s a really good race, but the ground and the track should suit him,” said the Newmarket trainer.

“He has got a lot to find on what he’s done so far over hurdles, but he’s a progressive four-year-old and we’re all really pleased that we’re giving it a go. We’re looking forward to it.”

Sam Thomas is represented by Lump Sum – runner-up to Constitution Hill’s esteemed stablemate Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

“We’re very realistic, taking on two mighty horses and if I’m honest it’s nice to go and be involved in a race like that,” said the South Glamorgan trainer.

“We’re not going there thinking we’re going to be winning the race, but there’s good prize-money on offer and we’ll nick as much as we can.

“We’ll have to carry top-weight in a handicap one day, you’ve got races like the Betfair Hurdle in February and there’s a nice race at Windsor on January 17 as well we could look at.

“We’ll go to Kempton first anyway and see how we go. It’s nice to be involved in a race of that nature with four very nice horses.”