Ruby Walsh analyses shock falls from Constitution Hill and The New Lion in Fighting Fifth
The 12-time Irish champion jump jockey spoke about the incidents on ITV. Outsider Golden Ace (22-1), trained by Jeremy Scott, went on to win the big race at Newcastle
Top jockey turned racing analyst Ruby Walsh has analysed the shock falls of Constitution Hill and The New Lion in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Newcastle's big race was expected to be dominated by the top two and Anzadam, sent over from Ireland by Willie Mullins. Instead 22-1 chance Golden Ace, the reigning champion hurdler, gave trainer Jeremy Scott a welcome winner in extraordinary circumstances.
Constitution Hill got no further than the second hurdle, while The New Lion was being ridden by Harry Skelton when he came down at the penultimate obstacle of nine.
Walsh, the 12-time Irish champion jump jockey, reviewed the incidents on ITV Racing, after a renewal which led to a huge shake-up in the Champion Hurdle market.
READ MORE: Trainer Nicky Henderson reacts to Constitution Hill's fall in Fighting Fifth HurdleREAD MORE: Trailblazing jockey Sophie Doyle retires after ‘incredible experiences across the globe’"He shortens at it and jumps it well," he said about Constitution Hill's first jump with Nico de Boinville taking the reins.
"You're thinking, yeah he's OK, that was nice. Then he goes to the second hurdle and he changes his wind. Watch his near fore, this is the one he puts down. But why does he change his mind?
"He has come off the jump and he changes his mind. Does he not want to land or does something catch his eye?"
Constitution Hill's early departure left The New Lion in the lead and he almost ran out at the fourth flight.
His advantage had been reduced by the others when he edged to his left and came down.
"He was a bit flat at the hurdle before the home straight," commented Walsh. "You'd like a little bit more power than there was.
"As they quicken to the second last, he does the same thing. He gets off the ground, he puts down and doesn't get the height and that leaves the mare in front. Fortune favours the brave.
"That's why I always believed Hurricane Fly was as special as he was, he was bombproof when it came to jumping. The best ones are also the best jumpers."
Hurricane Fly was a dual winner of the Champion Hurdle, in 2011 and 2013, during a career which saw him hold the record for the most Grade One victories.
Nicky Henderson now has to decide what to do with Constitution Hill, as bookmakers pushed him out to 10-1 for the Cheltenham Festival race he won so impressively in 2023.
"Can you keep on asking him to do it?" he said about owner Michael Buckley's best horse.
"I can't teach him any more. We have listened to every theory in the book. His work has been superb but he has got to jump eight hurdles and that is something he is not able to do."
Source: Read Original Article
