The Champion Hurdle Nobody Wanted to Win: Constitution Hill's Exit Leaves Racing's Most Cursed Race Wide Open

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Michael Buckley called it “heartbreaking.” Ed Chamberlin called it “absolutely the right decision.” The numbers call it something else entirely: inevitable.

Constitution Hill’s official withdrawal from the 2026 Champion Hurdle — confirmed today, 13 days before the Festival — ends one of the most spectacular declines in Championship racing history. But here’s what makes this story truly extraordinary: he’s not the only star this race has broken.

Three Falls, One Flat Win, Zero Cheltenham

Let’s lay out Constitution Hill’s last five competitive runs over hurdles:

Sir Gino on The Race Lab

The Champion Hurdle Nobody Wanted to Win: Constitution Hill's Exit Leaves Racing's Most Cursed Race Wide Open

Three Falls, One Flat Win, Zero Cheltenham