Constitution Hill’s remarkable triumph in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival’s Champion Hurdle created an unforgettable tale for punters at Prestbury Park.
Nicky Henderson secured his record-breaking 10th victory in the race with this six-year-old sensation, whose dominant nine-length win earned him the esteemed title of the “horse of a generation,” according to AP McCoy.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 race, Constitution Hill has already emerged as the overwhelming favorite with Champion Hurdle tips at odds of 5/6. Moreover, he commands single-figure prices in four other races scheduled for next year’s Festival, with very little value about.
The 2022/23 National Hunt season witnessed Constitution Hill shine brightly, clinching an impressive four Grade 1 victories. Despite being a mere six-year-old, many argue that he may very well be the greatest hurdler of all time.
His natural talent for hurdling is truly exceptional, displaying an impeccable combination of speed and precision as he gracefully glides over the obstacles. It is incredibly difficult to envision him surrendering his crown in the Champion Hurdle, provided his connections choose to continue his hurdling career.
However, there exists a significant “if” in this scenario. Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley have hinted at the possibility of Constitution Hill transitioning to fences in the upcoming autumn season.
It was rumored that he would undergo fence schooling after his triumph at Aintree, although no further updates have emerged since. Should all go according to plan, his trajectory would likely steer him towards the Sporting Life Arkle rather than the Champion Hurdle Winners Enclosure at the next Cheltenham Festival.
Opinions among bookmakers are divided, with some offering generous Champion Hurdle odds of 6/4 for Constitution Hill to secure another Champion Hurdle crown (while as short as 4/6 in certain places).
Simultaneously, he stands at a general 7/4 for the Sporting Life Arkle. Personally, I am eager to witness him tackle fences, and I have a hunch that his connections will opt for this path, consequently leaving the 2024 Champion Hurdle market wide open.
Its best to shop around the bookies for the best odds on Constitution Hill.
There are of course, other contenders looking to dethrone the Champion elect.
Following an impressive performance in the Ballymore in 2023, five-year-old Impaire Et Passe has established himself as the next contender, boasting odds of 4/1 on his Cheltenham debut.
Marine Nationale triumphed in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle during his first appearance at Cheltenham this year, finishing ahead of Facile Vega (20/1). Now, he stands at 10/1 odds to replicate his success in the Champion Hurdle 12 months from now.
Four-year-old Lossiemouth also made a significant impact on her Cheltenham debut, winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle at this year’s Festival. She now stands at 14/1 odds, securing a spot among the top five contenders for the 2024 Champion Hurdle.
State Man, who finished as the runner-up to Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, holds a prominent position in the odds. This Willie Mullins-trained contender, victorious in the Irish Champion Hurdle in December 2022, is currently priced at 8/1 in the ante-post betting for next year’s race.
Zanahiyr and Vauban, who trailed behind State Man in the 2023 edition, now have odds of 40/1 and 25/1, respectively, in their bid to claim victory in 2024.