When is Constitution Hill running next? Nicky Henderson says Aintree in two weeks 3i1oa

Constitution Hill’s next run is likely to be in the Aintree Hurdle according to his trainer Nicky Henderson, a change of heart from the initial blueprint to go straight to Punchestown.

When is Constitution Hill running next? 2p563f

Henderson has laid down plans for his stable star to run in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National Festival on Thursday, April 3.

Constitution Hill won this race in 2023 on his first trip beyond 2 miles under rules, stepping up to 2m 4f and disposing of five rivals with ease as the 2/15 favourite.

The eight-year-old is reportedly in ‘very good form’ following a fall in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month where his unbeaten record was shattered.

After that race Henderson and owner Michael Buckley said all being well, the horse would travel to Ireland next – which is still on the cards if he comes out of Aintree in good order.

There is around a month between the Aintree Hurdle and Punchestown Champion Hurdle, scheduled for Friday, May 2.

WATCH: Constitution Hill wins the 2024 Aintree Hurdle 565y5a

Constitution Hill could face Lossiemouth rematch at Aintree before State Man challenge 1s15i

There is every chance Constitution Hill will rematch Mares’ Hurdle hero Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle next month.

The pair traded blows for the first time in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton when Constitution Hill made a winning return to the track after a year out.

Willie Mullins’ stable was under a cloud at the time and Lossiemouth failed to give her true running when outpaced from the start but stayed on to finish 2½ lengths behind the winner.

The mare is set to be handed a golden opportunity to reverse the form at Aintree at a trip which arguably plays in her favour.

WATCH: Constitution Hill wins the 2024 Christmas Hurdle 4e612w

A last minute change of heart from owner Rich Ricci the week before Cheltenham meant Lossiemouth swerved a shot at the Champion Hurdle to pick up a second Mares’ Hurdle crown.

Henderson confirmed Constitution Hill could still run in Ireland for the first time under rules in May, telling the Racing Post he’s ‘very optimistic’ of running in both races to end the season.

Lossiemouth could also run in both and the Gordon Elliott camp haven’t ruled out Brighterdaysahead making an appearance in the Aintree Hurdle, with Punchestown a possibility but they’d prefer to keep her going left-handed.

If State Man is good to go after a dramatic fall at the final flight when cantering to victory in the Champion Hurdle earlier this month, Punchestown could provide the race of the season.

As per the best horse racing betting sites in the UK, Lossiemouth (6/4) heads the Punchestown Champion Hurdle market ahead of State Man (13/8), Brighterdaysahead (9/4) and Constitution Hill (4/1).

WATCH: Constitution Hill and State Man hit the deck in dramatic 2025 Champion Hurdle 2i3052