Cheltenham Festival 2026: Richard Johnson – Constitution Hill’s absence from Champion Hurdle is ‘right decision for racing’

By Kieran McHugh

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Richard Johnson says the decision not to run Constitution Hill in next Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle is the correct one, labelling it the ‘right decision for all’.

Nicky Henderson ruled the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner out of this year’s edition, after he took a commanding debut victory over the All-Weather at Southwell on February 20.

This followed a troubling period for Henderson’s star hurdler, who had fallen in three of his last four races over fences.

The decision has caused debate amongst the racing community, with arguments being made for both sides of the case.

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Best decision

However, Johnson (who won the Champion Hurdle aboard Rooster Booster in 2003) is firm in his belief that Henderson and owner Michael Buckley have made the right decision.

Speaking at a Cheltenham Festival preview night at Rawdon Cricket Club, Johnson said: “They definitely made the right decision with Constitution Hill.

“Without the buts, he would win easily but at the end of the day, he had lost his bottle.

“If he ran and god forbid anything went wrong, it would give all the wrong people the ammunition they need.

“The wider British press would have had a field day.

“Nicky [Henderson] has made the best decision for racing as a whole, when you weigh up the pros and the cons.”

Golden glory?

On the wider Champion Hurdle picture, Johnson was keen on two mares in the field – in a weaker renewal of the showpiece hurdling event.

“I can’t believe the price of Golden Ace, she is the reigning champion and she hasn’t done much wrong,” said Johnson.

“I wonder if they [Willie Mullins, Rich Ricci] would be interested in going with Lossiemouth, considering it is one of the weakest renewals of the Champion Hurdle in a while.”

The Cheltenham Festival gets underway next Tuesday, running until Friday, with the Champion Hurdle set to headline the opening day.

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