ONCE again social media went into meltdown on Saturday when trainer Nicky Henderson took Constitution Hill and Shishkin out of the re-arranged Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Darren wrote: “Why was it OK to run him (Constitution Hill) at the same course and distance on his debut? Another Henderson horse wrapped in cotton wool.”
Another, James, said: “Does amaze me how all these journalists seem to have bought this narrative that you can’t run more than a couple of times before a Champion Hurdle.”
The latter is an interesting one.
As someone who would only too happily question anyone about anything, it’s annoying when you read that reporters don’t pose the right questions or enter into a debate strongly enough.
The only reason that ever happens as far as I am concerned is time. First, you need the person you want to question to be happy to give up significant time.
Second, you need a TV show that will give you that period. I don’t have that. So I can’t do those type of interviews. It’s as simple as that.
And, as far as written journalists are concerned, very few newspapers have the space for it either.
That aside, in a mythical virtual made-up world I caught up with Henderson to sort a few things out.
Here's how it went…
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MC: Right Nicky let’s get straight to it. Why couldn't Constitution Hill run in the Fighting Fifth at Sandown and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton when we know he loves soft ground and both tracks?
NH: There’s no horse, in my opinion, who could run in heavy ground at Sandown and be ready for Kempton 17 days later – it’s impossible.
MC: Come on Nicky, it’s not impossible is it?
NH: It is in my opinion.
MC: But Desert Orchid used to run all the time. As did Kauto Star. Why Can’t you take the chance? He’s a racehorse after all. Istabraq got beat. Did that matter? Just run man.
NH: Look, Matt, my aim is to win another Champion Hurdle – and not just one more – with Constitution Hill while hoping to have a horse who can still keep racing aged 10, 11 and 12.
Remember how so many of those French imports with all the experience used to come over and win a few and then retire? I’m looking at longevity.
This is a special horse. If we look after him now we will get to see him longer.”
MC: But it’s not impossible is it Nicky?
NH: All right all right. It’s not impossible. But in my experience it’s unlikely.
You throw Desert Orchid and Kauto Star at me. Yes they ran a lot.m But what about Dancing Brave in the Breeders’ Cup after the Arc? Or Nijinksy in the Arc after the St Leger. Horses can’t keep going forever.
MC: No Nicky. But they can run a bit surely?
NH: Constitution Hill will run a bit. He’s heading to Kempton and will run there whatever the ground.”
MC: Hold on. He’ll run on heavy?
NH: Yes.
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MC: That seems odd.
NH: Not to someone with half a brain. It’s the perfect gap between Christmas and the Champion Hurdle.
The gap was not perfect between Sandown and Kempton. It was between Newcastle, which was off, and Kempton.
Then we have Aintree or Punchestown. He might have another run after Christmas if we feel he needs one. That would be four runs in a season.
Spread that out over the next six years and we might see him another twenty four or so runs. I’d be happy with that.
MC: That doesn’t sound very much to me. The problem is Nicky you have history with this.
Taking horses out late. Saying they will run when they don’t. Teasing us when we all know they are likely to be pulled out.
NH: You mean I have history of doing the best for my horses? I think that’s what you are trying to say.
No one wants to run a horse more than me. I’m competitive. But I have to do what’s best for the horse.
MC: What about the public? We are trying to see these horses more to grow the sport.
NH: Do you not listen? I’ve told you I want to run too.
But the public are not going to enjoy seeing a champion beaten just because I’ve run in a race the people are telling me to.
I’ve done this a long time. Maybe I’m a bit more cautious now than I used to be.
But that’s because things happen that make you realise you have to do the right thing by the horse.
Don’t you remember Altior getting beaten by Cyrname? Ruined my horse. Just because I did what the people wanted. I knew it was wrong.
MC: How do you know it’s wrong though? How do you know Constitution Hill wouldn't love to race every week?
NH: You might be right? But have some respect.
I’ve kept some great horses in training longer than most. I’ve done that by trusting my intuition. Not everyone will like that. But have some respect.
I do the best for my horses. That’s what should matter.
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And that, people, is what is lacking in so many walks of life on social media. Disagree. Question. But ultimately have some respect.
If you don’t believe in legends of any sport that’s fine. But remember why they have become champions and legends.
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