Constitution Hill is back. A bumpy road since his last race, 366 days of heartache and heartburn to be exact. All that washed away as the the undefeated hurdler trounced the previously once-beaten Lossiemouth in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. His launch, a nonchalant, scope-defying leap at the fourth flight…chills up your spine. Some horse.
Nicky Henderson needed to separate his stars, aiming Constitution Hill at Kempton’s Grade 1 hurdle stakes and Sir Gino to his chasing debut in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase. Perfection. A Grade 1 hurdle winner a month ago, the French-bred 4-year-old attacked fences when cued and respected fences when asked, brushing off the previously once-beaten Ballyburn like pine needles off a New Year’s Day mantle. Imagine the schooling sessions that gave jockey Nico de Boinville the confidence to push buttons like a deadline artist pushes keys.
Il Est Francais did everything but win the King George VI. The French raider skipped over Kempton’s fences like ripples on a lake. His rivals fell back and fell away, his merciless tempo taking its toll. The gallant frontrunner – long, longer and longest – needed one more. Fumes beginning to waft, he needed the perfect stride at the last fence and it didn’t arrive, a 3-mile race coming down to inches of coincidence. Jockey James Reveley, a landmark, career-defying victory at his fingertips, knew there was no choice. The French-based jockey raised his shoulders, then his hands, Il Est Francais listened. A minor correction and a major difference. Looming to his left, Banbridge launched and won the race in the air. Paul Townend, on a rare pickup ride, allowing for nothing less. Banbridge, a likable veteran, had his biggest day.
Still a few days to go in the Christmas festivities. Four undefeated hurdlers, led by The New Lion and Regent’s Stroll, rumble in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury Saturday. Joseph O’Brien tries to continue a stellar recent run with Home By The Lee in the Grade 1 Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown. Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File square off again in the Grade 1 Savills Chase on the same card. State Man and Brighterdaysahead clash again in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown Sunday.
Tie on. Stay tied on.
