Superstar horse Constitution Hill makes brilliant return after year off as Banbridge wins King George VI Chase
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Nico de Boinville guided Constitution Hill to glory in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park. Superstar horse Constitution Hill is “back to where he belongs” after returning from a year off the track to put up a brilliant display in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park.
![[Banbridge was behind heading over the last but pulled clear of Il Est Francais to win the King George VI Chase]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/16/SEI234266176.jpg)
Last seen in public producing what looked to many like just a moderate effort in a racecourse gallop at Newbury, after which he was found to be lame, Nicky Henderson once again worked miracles to bring a horse back to a peak from a lengthy absence. His jumping was immaculate throughout and while market rival Lossiemouth struggled to go the fast gallop from an early stage, Nico de Boinville was motionless throughout and pinged the last on his way to a two-and-a-half-length victory as the 5-6 favourite.
![[Jockey Paul Townend could celebrate with the trophy]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/16/SEI234268801.jpg)
De Boinville was keen not press the button too soon and followed Burdett Road to the second-last. To Lossiemouth’s credit she stuck on and still held a glimmer of a chance at the final flight, but Constitution Hill showed all his old sparkle and in scenes reminiscent of when Desert Orchid and Kauto Star used to rule the Kempton roost, he was welcomed back to a huge reception.
“He is him and the great thing is he is back to where he belongs,” said Henderson. “I do think he is back to what he was always capable of being and I do think he is nearly as good as he was. “Nico said there is a lot of improvement to come and he had a good blow going down to the last which he was entitled to do off that gallop. That was rapid stuff.
