The brilliant 2023 champion hurdler Constitution Hill is lame and set to miss his long-awaited return.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said the horse, who has not run since Boxing Day last year, is unlikely to make the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on 30 November.

After winning the Christmas Hurdle last year – his eighth win from eight races over hurdles – the horse missed the remainder of the season through a variety of ground concerns, a respiratory issue and suspected colic.

He did not impress everyone when galloping with stablemate Sir Gino in a workout at Newbury on Tuesday.

In a video statement on X, Henderson said: “I have to report we have a problem with Constitution Hill. He’s currently lame.

“This wasn’t immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday but the last 48 hours he has been sore but for what reason we are still unaware.

“I’m currently investigating. This as I’m sure everybody will appreciate, is a tragic problem for us and an issue but we have to report where we are and he is still under investigation, we are trying to find the reason for it and that’s not apparent.

“We will keep everybody posted but at this stage you’d have to say he’s unlikely to make it next Saturday at Newcastle but I have to stress this isn’t a retirement call. He was bright and breezy after his gallop but now we have this issue.”