Importance Score: 60 / 100 🔵
Constitution Hill Fall Hampers Aintree Hurdle, Lossiemouth Claims Victory
In a stunning turn of events at the Aintree Grand National meeting, Constitution Hill, a highly regarded contender, suffered a fall during the Aintree Hurdle race, paving the way for Lossiemouth to secure a commanding triumph. This incident marks the second consecutive fall for Constitution Hill, previously unbeaten and considered an exceptional jumper, having also fallen in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. The dramatic race unfolded as anticipation surrounded whether Constitution Hill could overcome concerns about his jumping form.
Dramatic Race Incident at Aintree
Constitution Hill, the pre-race favorite for the Aintree Hurdle, arrived with speculation surrounding his jumping technique after a prior fall. Jockey Nico De Boinville was unseated once more when Constitution Hill clipped a hurdle on the penultimate jump, forcing a shift to the middle of the course. This misstep allowed Paul Townend and Lossiemouth to capitalize, achieving a definitive win. Wodhooh and Take No Chances followed behind, but the focus remained on the wellbeing of Constitution Hill after his fall.
Immediate Reassurance Regarding Constitution Hill’s Condition
Within moments of the race’s conclusion, the broadcast commentary team on ITV provided immediate reassurance, affirming that Constitution Hill was “perfectly okay.” The esteemed hurdler was observed galloping away from the incident site uninjured as the race concluded, alleviating immediate worries about his physical state.
Constitution Hill’s Performance Prior to Fall
The distinguished runner, boasting eight Grade 1 victories, had been demonstrating exceptional form, exhibiting both fluid movement and expert jumping prowess throughout the race, prior to the unfortunate incident. His fall came unexpectedly, given his prior display of skill and experience.
Trainer Nicky Henderson Comments on Future Races
Following the race, trainer Nicky Henderson indicated a potential plan for Constitution Hill to participate at Punchestown towards the end of April. However, Henderson acknowledged that discussions regarding the horse’s participation would need to take place in light of the recent fall and its implications for future competitions.
Henderson’s Reaction to Unprecedented Falls
Visibly disheartened in his post-race interview with ITV, Henderson described Constitution Hill’s second successive fall as “unbelievable,” conveying his shock and concern over the recurring incidents affecting the top-tier horse.
Trainer’s Perspective on Constitution Hill’s Jumping Ability
Henderson elaborated on his initial reaction, stating:
“You couldn’t believe it, really. I mean, he is genuinely the best jumper you’ll ever see.”
He further expressed bewilderment at the repeated falls despite the horse’s perceived jumping expertise and thorough preparation:
“There is just this one, you know, you’d have called it a one per cent chance of doing what he’s done, but he’s done it twice, which does worry you. Of course, it does.”
Henderson concluded by reiterating the comprehensive preparation undertaken and the perplexing nature of the incident, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the fall despite the horse’s form:
“But how can you round it out? We’d done everything; he’d been fantastic the whole way. He was being short. He did a couple of hurdles that I could see, and I haven’t seen it properly at all.”