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Barry Geraghty believes his beloved Constitution Hill has yet to improve further over fences and says Nicky Henderson will certainly rise to the challenge if he feels fit for the Champion Hurdle star.
Constitution Hill has barely crossed the line at Cheltenham the year before the line, the question began: What is next for the most exciting racing horse? Will he give chase? Is the Gold Cup an ambition?
Whatever the plans for next season, there is still business left to complete over the hurdles at Aintree, after which the picture can be clear still.
Speaking on the Cheltenham Review’s Off The Fence show, Geraghty, who bought Constitution Hill as a foal for just £16,500 and raised him to three-year-olds, said of his Champion Hurdle romp: “It was fantastic.
“He was fast as hell and hit the line really hard, while States Man seemed happy just to get there.
“It looks like he’s going to Aintree over two and a half miles, which isn’t a problem for him.
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Matt Chapman caught up with Nico de Boinville at Plumpton with the jockey telling him he was close to a late flight disaster at Constitution Hill in last week’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham
“There’s a good chance he’ll jump the fence next season. Michael [Buckley, owner] definitely up for the challenge and want to see how far this horse can take him.
“Nicky [Henderson, trainer] have done this before with Sprinter Sacre and Altior so I wouldn’t say it’s conservative. He will always do what he thinks is right for the horse.
“There is still potential for improvement from people over fences because of jumping so well. Nicky will definitely be up for it if he knows he has the horse for the job.”
Geraghty was also impressed by Honeysuckle’s Mares’ Hurdle success and was delighted to see star Henry de Bromhead receive the adoration of the Festival crowd as he bowed out in style.
“Henry [de Bromhead, trainer] did brilliantly to get him back to the level he had in the past and Rachael [Blackmore, jockey] give him a brilliant ride,” said Geraghty. “It’s a good, solid performance and proves it’s the right race to go for.
“The atmosphere and the reception he got back in the winner’s enclosure was amazing – the place exploded. The crowd gave him the respect and applause he deserved. What a great way for him to come in.
“I’m not sure he gets the credit he deserves, going 16 unbeaten and winning four Festivals is tough. When the mares go, he’s in the top five in history.”
Honeysuckle and Love Envoi battle it out in the Mares’ Hurdle
Fellow Off The Fence panelist Tony Keenan feels that Honeysuckle’s age is what really sets it apart from its competitors.
“He’s a good, if not great, champion hurdler but there’s more to it than just ratings,” Keenan said. “He has great popularity and will put thousands through the gates. No other horse can do that.
“He always ran a good race and had a really long life.”
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