Constitution Hill's owner Michael Buckley has hit back at doubts about his former Champion Hurdle winner, but says he “won't be crossing his fingers” if they retain the Christmas Hurdle crown .
The Nicky Henderson-trained star has not been seen since lifting the Boxing Day trophy last year after a series of problems kept him off the track, missing the Cheltenham Festival with an illness and then suffering colic.
His first start this year was further delayed after he was found to be lame ahead of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, but the injury was quite innocuous and the team has to work to return to Kempton next week.
His latest issue followed a disappointing public performance at Newbury, which led some pundits and much of the public to question whether he could ever regain his top form, with some even calling for his retirement off.
Speaking on episode 5 of Unbridled with Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan, Buckley said: “I've been quiet but it doesn't seem to be the case for those who write. up to or not.
“I read these various journalists from the Racing Post and some of the stuff I found hysterical. Some of them seem to leave any information they have at the door.
“I'm not as rich so I'm not like JP (McManus) and I don't have as many horses so I guess I feel a bit more protected. It's no wonder he's so loved.
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Nicky Henderson explains the problem with the Hill Foundation and the updated plans for his stable star
“He didn't do much wrong when he won the second time in the Christmas rush, at which point there were eight winners in a row and seven Grade Ones. Any way you slice it, it's pretty special.
“Now I have to hear he should retire. Before that illness at Kempton he was 1-4 for the Champion Hurdle and today he has been wiped out. It is amazing to have reading the kind of c*** that people write.
“If he plays poorly in the Christmas hamper then everyone will say his career is going down and maybe it's time to call it a day. his career is over, and if he beats Lossiemouth he may go forward for the Champion Hurdle again.
“What are they all going to say then? 'We got it all wrong'. It will be what it will be.”
The Hill Foundation is set to return at Kempton on Boxing Day after a year off the track
Henderson issued a bullish report on the Hill Foundation's chances of making Kempton last week and Buckley said: “As we stand at the moment everything is fine. If he had had a normal preparation I would just say yes.
“He'll do some work at the weekend and that's it. As far as I know, we're planning to run on Boxing Day.”
When asked if he gets extra pleasure from frustrating the doubters, Buckley said: “I don't hold any fingers, that's not my style.
“First of all, if he wins it will be a real feat in training to beat this wonderful horse of Rich Ricci's who hasn't run all year.
