ARE the Irish running scared and ducking a challenge?. Have the home team got Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott on the ropes?. Those are the questions one has to playfully ask as UK jump racing’s superstar Constitution Hill makes a surprise appearance on ITV at Cheltenham this afternoon.
![[Nicky Henderson, horse racing trainer.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27-12-2024-nicky-henderson-965189436.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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SIGN UP NOW. 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk. Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten eight-year-old faces what should be a facile assignment in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle, giving away a maximum of 6lb to four massively inferior rivals.
Both Irish class mares Lossiemouth (who was entered) and Brighterdaysahead (who was not given the option) swerve the event. The irony is there for all to see. My Saturday NAP. Makes lots of sense each-way. He won the Paddy Power Gold Cup easily in November and ran better than the bare result in the December Gold Cup last time.
Henderson has often been accused of shirking challenges. But where are the Irish this weekend? Tucked up at home. What’s more, while some have claimed Constitution Hill is turning up due to the driving force of owner Michael Buckley, he suggests that is far from the truth.
