• Constitution Hill 2-1 joint-favourite for Cheltenham Festival Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after Sandown romp
  • Quote: ‘I’m under lock and key and self-isolating at home at Seven Barrows after catching the dreaded Covid’ – Nicky Henderson

By Andrew Atkinson

Covid-struck trainer Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info romped to a 12 lengths win at Sandown in the Grade 1 Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle over 1m 7f.

“It’s just a shame the governor isn’t here to see it,” said winning jockey Nico De Boinville after beating Jetoile comfortably.

Constitution Hill is priced at 2-1 joint-favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March alongside with stablemate Jonbon.

“This is some horse, quite an animal. I could not believe when I looked round how far clear I was.

“He’s made very easy work of it. That ground was bottomless out there – but he’s made light work,” said De Boineville.

Constitution Hill wins the @UnibetRacing  Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle

“He’s right up there. I just love his disposition, he’s so relaxed and he’s like a pony. He does everything so easily.

“It was a great performance and I was delighted. He’s push-button, a jockey’s dream. I was blown away by that performance,” added De Boineville.

Henderson, self-isolating after contracting Covid-19, said: “I’m under lock and key and self isolating at home at Seven Barrows after catching the dreaded Covid, which means unfortunately I was unable to attend Sandown on Saturday for Unibet Tolworth day.

“It might seem a nice idea watching all the action on the television – but I can tell you, in reality, it is most definitely not fun and it’s fair to say I am doing lots of box walking!

“Thankfully I am not unwell and feel fine – but it’s important to do the right thing.”