Constitution Hill's owner Michael Buckley has hit back at doubters about his former Champion Hurdle winner, but says he “won't put his toes up” if he retains his Christmas hurdle crown.
The Nicky Henderson-trained star has not been seen since lifting the prize on Boxing Day last year after a string of setbacks kept him off the track, missing the Cheltenham Festival with an infection and then suffering from cramps.
His first start of the year was further delayed after he was found to be lame ahead of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, but the injury proved fairly benign and the team worked towards a return to Kempton next week.
His latest edition came after a disappointing public training session at Newbury, which led some pundits and many members of the public to question whether he would ever regain his top form, with some even calling for his retirement.
Speaking on episode 5 of Unbridled with Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan, Buckley said: “I've been quiet but that doesn't seem to be the case with the writers. Everyone seems to know a huge amount about what he's up to or not up to.
“I was reading these various Racing Post journalists and some of the stuff I found hysterical. Some of them seemed to leave any intelligence at the door.
“I'm not that rich so I'm not like JP (McManus) and I don't have that many horses so I guess I feel a bit protective of him. Not surprisingly, we like him a lot.
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Nicky Henderson explains the problem with Constitution Hill and updated plans for his stable star
“He didn't put too much wrong when he won the Christmas Hurdle the second time, and then he had eight wins in a row and seven Grade 1s.
“Now I have to hear he should be retired. He was 1-4 for the Champion Hurdle before that Kempton gallop and today he was sent off. It's amazing to read the kind of s*** people write.
“If he comes up short in the Christmas Hurdle, everyone will say his career is on the downswing and maybe it's time to call it a day. But if he runs a big race, even if he goes up in a flurry at Lossiemouth, you can hardly say his career is over, and if he wins Lossiemouth, he is likely to challenge for the Champion Hurdle again.
“Then what will everyone say? 'We did it all wrong'. What will be will be.”
Constitution Hill will return to Kempton on Boxing Day after a year off the track
Henderson last week issued a positive bulletin about Constitution Hill's chances of reaching Kempton, with Buckley saying: “As we stand at the moment, everything is fine. If he had a normal preparation I would just say yes.
“He'll do a bit of work at the weekend and that's it. As far as I'm aware, we intend to run on Boxing Day.”
Asked if he would be looking forward to silencing the doubters, Buckley said: “I'm not going to point fingers, that's not really my style.
“First of all, if he wins, it will be a hell of a workout to beat this wonder horse Rich Ritchie, who hasn't run all year.”