A mouthwatering clash between
and
remains on the cards after both horses featured at the six-day stage for the Ladbrokes
Hurdle at
on Boxing Day.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill has not been seen since winning last year’s renewal, where he was again majestic in victory, beating Rubaud by nine and a half lengths as the 1-12 favourite.
His problems since have been well documented, however, and in
he will face the rising star of the division.
In the care of Willie Mullins, the Rich Ricci-owned five-year-old landed the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and has the benefit of an outing already this season, winning the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle in style at Fairyhouse. Perhaps crucially, she will be in receipt of a 7lb mares’ allowance from Constitution Hill.
In addition to Constitution Hill, Henderson has also given the option to Sir Gino, who so brilliantly stepped in for his stablemate in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.