Overview
- Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley are assessing next steps after Constitution Hill fell at Newcastle, his third fall in four starts.
- Timeform has added its 'x' symbol to the horse’s rating, denoting a poor jumper, citing ingrained issues highlighted by the recent run of falls.
- The British Horseracing Authority defended padded white hurdles with data showing reduced fall and injury rates compared with birch obstacles, countering claims the design caused the errors.
- Opinions diverge on the way forward, with Barry Geraghty pointing to a loss of confidence at speed, AP McCoy urging perseverance over hurdles, and the Racing Post outlining remedial options including a Kempton try, headgear or a Flat campaign.
- Henderson has ruled out retirement and may explore running on the Flat, according to comments reported on Thursday, while The New Lion is uninjured after also falling at Newcastle and remains a Champion Hurdle candidate.