Nicky Henderson says one ‘major issue’ convinced him to keep Constitution Hill over hurdles

NICKY HENDERSON says one ‘major issue’ convinced him to keep unbeaten superstar Constitution Hill over hurdles.

The Seven Barrows trainer confirmed to PA on Tuesday that Michael Buckley’s star horse will stay over the smaller obstacles.

PAConstitution Hill will remain over hurdles[/caption]

Owner Buckley had said it would be his dream to win the Gold Cup one day.

But Hendo explained concerns over Constitution Hill staying the 3m2½f trip influenced the final call.

He told PA: “He would jump fences with his eyes shut, if we wanted him to, but the basis of the decision was we had to be 100 per cent sure that he would stay three and a quarter miles.

“There was nothing to be gained by switching to fences by running in an Arkle, Champion Chase and possibly a Ryanair, great races though they are.

“But the Champion Hurdle is the Champion Hurdle, so if you are going to run in anything you might as well stick to what you know.

“I dare say there will be plenty of people saying this is unimaginative, but there was no doubt in Nico’s (De Boinville) mind, stamina was likely to be a major issue and the only point in doing it was if one felt he could become a Gold Cup horse.

“For all three of us the decision was unanimous. You might say why did it take three months, but we all felt it was the right decision.”

More to follow.