Constitution Hill returned from an off-track year to put in an impressive showing in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park.
Last seen in public producing what to many looked like only a moderate effort at Newbury Racecourse, and then found to be lame, Nicky Henderson has once again worked wonders to get a horse back to peak form after a long absence.
His jumping was immaculate throughout and while his market rival Lossiemouth struggled to make a rush from an early stage, Nico de Boinville was flat throughout and powered the latter en route to a two-and-a-half length win in which he was the 5-6 favourite.
The race was set up as a great clash between the best of England and Ireland, with Lossiemouth going on tour, winning nine of her ten races since joining Willie Mullins and taking 7lbs.
However, she was never looking forward to traveling with the enthusiasm of the 2023 Champion Hurdle champion, who has now regained her place at the head of the betting to renew the two-mile championship this season.
De Boinville was careful not to push the button too early and followed Burdett’s path to second place. To Lossiemouth’s credit she stuck around and still retained a glimmer of opportunity on the last trip, but Constitution Hill showed all her old luster and in scenes reminiscent of when Desert Orchid and Kauto Star ruled the Kempton roost, he was welcomed back to a huge reception.
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