Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth declared for Christmas Hurdle

Constitution Hill will face the sternest of examinations on his first run for 12 months up against Lossiemouth in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

There has been plenty spoken and written about Nicky Henderson’s pride and joy since he sauntered to an impressive second victory in the Grade One event last year.

Nobody could have imagined the trials and tribulations his connections have been through in the intervening period, so much so that he has seen his position as favourite for the Champion Hurdle in March snatched away by Lossiemouth.

First there was the disastrous racecourse gallop at Kempton, when he was subsequently found to be suffering from an infection which would rule him out of Cheltenham, then there was a bout of colic.

Just when Henderson hoped for a clear run with him at the beginning of this season, another racecourse gallop went wrong when he returned home lame from Newbury, meaning he could not run in the Fighting Fifth.

He is fit again now, though, and reportedly firing on all cylinders – which he will need to be against Lossiemouth.

Her only defeat came when meeting traffic problems at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival, since when she has won the Triumph Hurdle, the International, the Mares’ Hurdle and last time out the Hatton’s Grace.

Trained by Willie Mullins in the Rich Ricci colours, Lossiemouth is 15lb inferior to Constitution Hill on official ratings, but gets a 7lb mares’ allowance to go with the race-fitness she has on her side.

There are only two other runners. James Owen’s Greatwood Hurdle winner Burdett Road and Sam Thomas’ Lump Sum, second in the Fighting Fifth to Constitution Hill’s super-sub Sir Gino.