NICKY HENDERSON has outlined plans for his star-studded cast of horses including Constitution Hill and Jonbon.
Henderson revealed all in his At The Races stable tour, including the starting point for the best jumps horse in training, Constitution Hill.
PAConstitution Hill romped to success in last year’s Champion Hurdle[/caption]
That would be the race where he announced himself last season, the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in early December.
He’ll then head to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the International at Cheltenham, before he heads to the Festival to defend his Champion Hurdle crowd.
Henderson also explained and reaffirmed the decision to stay over hurdles.
He said: “It has been well documented that we are staying over hurdles this season with the aim to retain his Unibet Champion Hurdle crown.
“I am pretty sure we have made the right decision as both Michael, myself and Nico all know that with his speed and pace that he is unlikely that he would stay extreme distance at this stage of his career.
“He is a wonderful horse, and it would be fantastic if he could go and do it all again.”
Jonbon was a dual Grade 1 winner over fences last season is another giving Henderson cause for excitement.
The Ryanair was touted as a possible destination, but Henderson wouldn’t be sure on his stamina in the short term.
He said: “I was considering stepping up to two and a half miles, but Sandown probably told us to stay at two miles for now.
“He has developed both physically and mentally and let’s hope he has a very bright future.”
Henderson also has a strong line-up of mares, including one he described as a star.
That would be Luccia, who was a good third in the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree when last seen.
He added: “I have no doubt she is destined for top honours this season and she may well stay further than two miles.
“She will be running in all those Mares graded hurdles and there’s no reason she shouldn’t finish up in the Mare’s Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.”
Shishkin chipped in a the top level for Henderson last year and the King George is on his agenda.
Marie’s Rock was touted for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham before running a shade below par in the Mares’ Hurdle. She’s also set for another exciting campaign.
From left of field, don’t forget French recruit Sir Gino, who could easily be a Triumph contender for a yard that excels in the race.
Henderson said: “He won his only start in the Wild Monarch at Auteuil in April and that race has a habit of throwing out some pretty smart horses.
“He is a gorgeous individual with the size and scope to jump fences in time, but he is still qualified to run in juvenile hurdles, and we hope he can progress and be a high-class juvenile.”
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