{"id":32782,"date":"2024-03-05T10:52:10","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T09:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/?p=32782"},"modified":"2024-03-05T10:52:11","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T09:52:11","slug":"champion-hurdle-favourite-constitution-hill-withdraws-from-cheltenham-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/news\/champion-hurdle-favourite-constitution-hill-withdraws-from-cheltenham-festival","title":{"rendered":"Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill withdraws from Cheltenham Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul>\n<li>Constitution Hill withdrawn from Champion Hurdle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seven-year-old making progress but Cheltenham set to come too soon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State Man now odds on favourite for Champion Hurdle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-highlight-box-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col lg:flex-row lg:items-center lg:justify-between p-8 lg:py-8 lg:px-10 my-6 bg-green-100\">\n\t<div class=\"highlight-box-cta-content flex flex-col !text-white lg:pr-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Check out the best Cheltenham Festival betting sites ahead of making your picks.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/cheltenham-festival\" class=\"btn btn-white-outline-white w-fit whitespace-nowrap mt-4 lg:mt-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Cheltenham Bookies<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mt-8 wp-block-top-list \" id=\"sports-book\">\n\n\t\n\t<section\n\t\tid=\"block_b3b496b3247ea98c03edb858ff47a1c2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tx-data=\"block_b3b496b3247ea98c03edb858ff47a1c2\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"@container\"\n\t>\n\t\t<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1  @2xl:grid-cols-2  gap-8\" x-ref=\"container-block_b3b496b3247ea98c03edb858ff47a1c2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/go.betting.com\/go\/ak-bets\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"AK Bets Review 2026 in the UK\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"flex flex-grow flex-row items-center bg-white p-2 shadow group hover:no-underline \"\n\t\t\tdata-bt=\"tiles-betting-site-sm\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210-180x95.webp 180w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210-180x95.jpg 180w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210-360x189.webp 360w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210-360x189.jpg 360w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210.webp 400w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210.jpg 400w\"\n\t\t\t\tsizes=\"120px\"\n\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/ak-bets_postcard_400x210.jpg\"\n\t\talt=\"AK Bets\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"120\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"62\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"object-cover object-center bg-cover bg-center flex-shrink-0 w-[120px] lg:w-[100px] aspect-casino\"\n\t\tstyle=\" \"\n\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex flex-col px-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"text-sm font-semibold !leading-4 text-black duration-300 group-hover:text-red-100 lg:text-base\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-bt=\"tiles-betting-site-sm-title\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\tAK Bets\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-1 flex flex-row items-center gap-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"star-rating h-auto w-[60px]\"\n\t\t style=\"--bt-star-percentage: 73.2663%; \"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-xxs text-gray-60\">(3.6\/5)<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ml-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"right-0 flex h-6 w-6 items-center justify-center border border-red-100 bg-white duration-300 group-hover:bg-red-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"w-3 h-3 text-red-100 rotate-180 duration-300\n\t\t\t\t\tgroup-hover:text-white\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"16\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 16\"><path d=\"M.29 7.315a.94.94 0 0 0 0 1.36l6.874 6.562a.937.937 0 0 0 1.293-1.356l-5.18-4.949h13.285c.52 0 .938-.418.938-.937a.935.935 0 0 0-.938-.938H3.277l5.184-4.945A.937.937 0 0 0 7.168.756L.293 7.32l-.004-.004Z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/go.betting.com\/go\/star-sports\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"Star Sports Review 2026 in UK\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"flex flex-grow flex-row items-center bg-white p-2 shadow group hover:no-underline \"\n\t\t\tdata-bt=\"tiles-betting-site-sm\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210-180x95.webp 180w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210-180x95.jpg 180w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210-360x189.webp 360w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210-360x189.jpg 360w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210.webp 400w, https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210.jpg 400w\"\n\t\t\t\tsizes=\"120px\"\n\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/StarSports_postcard_400x210.jpg\"\n\t\talt=\"Star Sports\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"120\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"62\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"object-cover object-center bg-cover bg-center flex-shrink-0 w-[120px] lg:w-[100px] aspect-casino\"\n\t\tstyle=\" \"\n\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex flex-col px-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"text-sm font-semibold !leading-4 text-black duration-300 group-hover:text-red-100 lg:text-base\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-bt=\"tiles-betting-site-sm-title\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\tStar Sports\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-1 flex flex-row items-center gap-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"star-rating h-auto w-[60px]\"\n\t\t style=\"--bt-star-percentage: 76.7463%; \"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-xxs text-gray-60\">(3.8\/5)<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ml-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"right-0 flex h-6 w-6 items-center justify-center border border-red-100 bg-white duration-300 group-hover:bg-red-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"w-3 h-3 text-red-100 rotate-180 duration-300\n\t\t\t\t\tgroup-hover:text-white\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"16\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 16\"><path d=\"M.29 7.315a.94.94 0 0 0 0 1.36l6.874 6.562a.937.937 0 0 0 1.293-1.356l-5.18-4.949h13.285c.52 0 .938-.418.938-.937a.935.935 0 0 0-.938-.938H3.277l5.184-4.945A.937.937 0 0 0 7.168.756L.293 7.32l-.004-.004Z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"constitution-hill-withdrawn-from-champion-hurdle\">Constitution Hill withdrawn from Champion Hurdle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The highly anticipated return of last year&#8217;s Champion Hurdle winner, Constitution Hill, to the Cheltenham Festival has been dashed due to health concerns. Trainer Nicky Henderson announced that the seven-year-old horse will not compete in this year&#8217;s event after a disappointing workout at Kempton Park last week led to medical evaluations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Henderson initially hoped Constitution Hill would recover in time for the Champion Hurdle, citing an illness characterised by a buildup of mucus. However, subsequent blood tests revealed that the horse&#8217;s condition was far from satisfactory, prompting the decision to withdraw him from the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a statement, Henderson expressed regret over having to concede defeat in the effort to prepare Constitution Hill for the prestigious race. Despite signs of improvement, including elevated spirits and decreased markers in the blood test, it was deemed unwise to subject the horse to further stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Constitution Hill&#8217;s absence leaves a notable void in the Champion Hurdle, where he was expected to defend his crown after an impressive victory last year. The horse, hailed as &#8220;the horse of a generation&#8221; by racing legend AP McCoy, had shown promise with a victory at the Christmas Hurdle in Kempton on Boxing Day, but missed the recent Cheltenham Trials Day due to fitness concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to Constitution Hill, another contender, Marine Nationale, trained by Barry Connell, will also be absent from the Cheltenham Festival. Marine Nationale, a favorite for the Arkle Chase, sustained a leg injury, forcing Connell to withdraw the horse from the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These setbacks underscore the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the paramount importance of prioritising the health and well-being of the equine athletes above all else.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-highlight-box-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col lg:flex-row lg:items-center lg:justify-between p-8 lg:py-8 lg:px-10 my-6 bg-yellow-100\">\n\t<div class=\"highlight-box-cta-content flex flex-col !text-black lg:pr-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Check out our Cheltenham Preview!<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/cheltenham-festival\/preview\" class=\"btn btn-black-outline-black w-fit whitespace-nowrap mt-4 lg:mt-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Cheltenham Preview<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"state-man-now-favourite-for-champion-hurdle\">State Man now favourite for Champion Hurdle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After being streets ahead of the opposition last year, Constitution Hill\u2019s defence of the Champion Hurdle was greatly anticipated,&nbsp; particularly as he has only raced twice since. Obviously his absence will take some of the shine off the festival\u2019s opening day. In some ways, Constitution Hill\u2019s withdrawal could open things up, however Willie Mullins\u2019 State Man, another quality horse, is now odds-on favourite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Henderson has put the welfare of his horse first and kept punters well informed on the situation. He has obviously looked at the bigger picture knowing that this exceptional horse will have plenty of other opportunities to showcase his talent.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-highlight-box-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col lg:flex-row lg:items-center lg:justify-between p-8 lg:py-8 lg:px-10 my-6 bg-green-100\">\n\t<div class=\"highlight-box-cta-content flex flex-col !text-white lg:pr-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Check out the best betting sites in the UK with Betting.com.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/betting-sites\" class=\"btn btn-white-outline-white w-fit whitespace-nowrap mt-4 lg:mt-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Best Betting Sites<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Constitution Hill withdrawn from Champion Hurdle The highly anticipated return of last year&#8217;s Champion Hurdle winner, Constitution Hill, to the Cheltenham Festival has been dashed due to health concerns. Trainer Nicky Henderson announced that the seven-year-old horse will not compete in this year&#8217;s event after a disappointing workout at Kempton Park last week led to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":28974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[590],"tags":[645],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32782"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32782"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32784,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32782\/revisions\/32784"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betting.com\/gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}