"The whole world has their opinions" - Henderson retains faith in Constitution Hill despite recent falls

The whole racing community clapped their hands to their mouths as Constitution Hill crashed out in the Champion Hurdle. Nico De Boinville's mount was still travelling comfortably within himself when the favourite smashed into the middle of the fourth-last hurdle, thus ruining his blemish-free record.

Punters were confident that Constitution Hill would bounce back in the Aintree Hurdle. De Boinville attempted to track Lossiemouth into contention going into the straight, but the favourite again misjudged a crucial obstacle and Constitution Hill was forced to pick himself up off the canvas yet again.

Some have said that Constitution Hill is finished as a top horse following his recent jumping troubles. Many have even suggested that he needs to switch to fences, as he no longer respects the smaller obstacles.

Henderson has seemingly read all of the comments about his former two-time Cheltenham Festival winner and gave his response to the press, when confirming the Punchestown Champion Hurdle was next on the agenda.

"He's fine and he's quite perky, and he's been out in his own paddock. Punchestown is the plan." Henderson said.

"The whole world has their opinions. Some of them are entertaining, some of them are constructive and some of them are ridiculous. Everyone's got their ideas, but those who understand know there's not a lot you can do."

"There are a lot of people out there telling me how to ride and train this horse, but those people have never sat on a horse in their lives."

Henderson went on to confirm that Jonbon was being trained for his third Celebration Chase. De Boinville rode Jonbon to a thrilling victory in the Melling Chase the day after Constitution Hill's fall, and Henderson's top-chaser will be a very short price at Sandown - a track where he boasts a perfect record of five wins from five starts.

"The good old boy always comes to the rescue in a funny way. He was the one who got the ball rolling last year, and after Thursday we needed him badly. I needed him, Nico needed him and everyone needed him."

"We're definitely looking at Sandown. He's got three weeks, and the last two times he's won the race he's only had a two-week gap, so he's got an extra week this time and it could make the difference."

"He's done these turnarounds before. He did the Shloer and Tingle Creek at the start of the season, so he's quite good at it, but you also have to be careful because they're not easy races."

"He was tired on Saturday, but he was entitled to be. All being well he's fit, sound and he's very perky. He had a nice time last week, but he'll have a quiet week now."