Cheltenham 2025: Can Anything Stop Constitution Hill?

The Champion Hurdle is one of the most prestigious races at Cheltenham, and as the festival approaches, all eyes are on Constitution Hill once again. 

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner is back to try and regain his crown after missing last year's race through injury. 

The Blue Bresil gelding has been classed as one of the best horses of all time by many, and in this article, we will look at his chances of winning the day-one highlight once again.

We will also look at his career to date, as well as the latest Champion Hurdle odds available with betting sites.

Rise To Greatness

Constitution Hill's rise to greatness has been nothing short of incredible. He has taken the racing world by storm.

A brace of novice hurdle wins at Sandown saw him go off the 9/4 joint-favourite with betting apps for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2023. 

It was after this victory that we knew we had something very special on our hands.

A 22-length victory was one of the best performances ever seen at Prestbury Park, and it’s not like he beat an average field either, as Jonbon finished second.

After being put away for the season following that win, he took on open company the following year, and he quickly put his foot down and dominated the division.

Facile wins in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton teed up a match between Constitution Hill and State Man in the Champion Hurdle.

But there was only one winner, as he demolished State Man by nine lengths to win his first Champion Hurdle, leaving racing fans excited about what was yet to come.

Injury Woes

Nicky Henderson's star was all the rage for last year's Champion Hurdle after claiming another Christmas Hurdle win at Kempton in December.

However, things did not go according to plan after that. 

He was sidelined due to a respiratory issue, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.

His absence from last year’s Cheltenham Festival left a void at the top of the hurdling division, and his old rival State Man capitalised by securing a well-earned victory. 

Concerns over whether Constitution Hill would return to form lingered as he was given time to recover, and many questioned whether we would see him back to the peak of his powers.

But patience paid dividends as he bounced back in style to land his third Christmas Hurdle when beating Lossiemouth by an easy two and a half lengths.

He followed that up with another impressive display at Cheltenham in the International Hurdle, where, despite a last hurdle blunder, he beat Brentford Hope by three lengths. 

Constitution Hill is now priced at 4/6 with horse racing betting sites to win the race, and many think it’s a case of how far he will win by, as he bids to cement his position as one of the hurdling greats.

The Contenders

Brighterdaysahead – One of the rising stars in the hurdling division, this mare has shown incredible potential so far in her career.

She could emerge as a genuine contender if her connections opt to take on the Champion Hurdle instead of the Mares’ Hurdle.

Lossiemouth – Lossiemouth has a strong Cheltenham record after winning the Triumph Hurdle and Mares Hurdle at the Festival. 

Although her season has not gone to plan since her debut win at Fairyhouse, she remains a huge threat and should not be discounted.

State Man – State Man took full advantage of Constitution Hill’s absence in 2024 to claim his first Champion Hurdle. 

A consistent performer at the highest level, he will be keen to prove his victory was no fluke.

Conclusion

Despite the formidable opposition, Constitution Hill remains the horse to beat in the 2025 Champion Hurdle. 

While State Man, Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth present intriguing challenges, Constitution Hill’s class and ability give him a strong chance of adding another Cheltenham win to his remarkable record. 

If he stays fit and runs his race, it will take an extraordinary effort from any rival to dethrone him at Cheltenham.