Nicky Henderson makes shock decision and rules Constitution Hill OUT of the Fighting Fifth due to ‘tragic problem’

NICKY HENDERSON, successful a video connected X announced Constitution Hill would NOT beryllium moving successful the Fighting Fifth astatine Newcastle.

The Seven Barrows' unchangeable prima has been retired of enactment since Kempton last Boxing Day aft suffering a respiratory corruption and past a life-threatening bout of colic.

He was past seen astatine a racecourse gallop astatine Newbury connected Tuesday wherever helium underwhelmed viewers by trailing on aft Sir Gino, looking laboured.

Henderson was initially affirmative pursuing the workout, contempt the HUGE drift successful likelihood for the Champion Hurdle successful March - helium went from 6-4 favourite to 4-1.

Punters' fears were not unfounded, and a not-unexpected video emerged connected X astatine astir 1pm connected Friday ruling retired Constitution Hill's instrumentality adjacent Saturday.

A gutted Henderson said: "I'm acrophobic I person to study we person a occupation with Constitution Hill.

"He's presently lame which wasn't instantly evident aft his gallop astatine Newbury connected Tuesday.

"But, for the past 48 hours helium has been sore, but for what crushed we are inactive unaware but inactive presently investigating.

"This, arsenic I'm definite everyone volition appreciate, is simply a tragic occupation for us, but we person to study wherever we are.

"He's inactive nether probe and we are trying to find the crushed for it which is not apparent.

"We volition support everybody posted, but astatine this signifier helium is improbable but I person to corroborate to everybody this is NOT a status call. He was agleam and breezy aft his gallop, but we person this issue..."

The video ended abruptly aft that comment, and punters took to the comments conception with mixed opinions.

One said: "Such a shame anticipation CH tin get backmost to his implicit champion bully luck with him Nicky!"

Another added: " Retire him!"

One said: "Sad quality but wellness of the equine strikes first."