Matt Chapman has called on Nicky Henderson to make Constitution Hill’s schooling videos public to act as 'back-up' if they decide to run in the Champion Hurdle, despite concerns over the horse’s recent falls.
The two-time Cheltenham Festival hero has crashed out on three of his last four starts over obstacles and is set to switch to the flat later this month at Southwell, in what could be a prep run for a return to the Champion Hurdle in March.
Speaking last week, Henderson said his star's jumping at home was "going great", but many voices who follow racing are nervous of another heavy fall, this time on the biggest stage and with the eyes of the world on the sport.
"Show the public the schooling before the race," Chapman argued on the Unbridled podcast. "I would send the BHA [British Horseracing Authority] down, I'd take videos of him schooling, looking happy as Larry, and then I'd go for it.
"What you want is people on your side if things go wrong."
14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls joined as a very special guest on Unbridled and Matt asked him if he thinks Constitution Hill will return at Cheltenham: "My gut feeling is no.
"Nicky obviously wants to do what's right for the horse, the jockey and the sport.
"He's in a no-win situation. If he wins, great, but if he runs badly or takes another fall, imagine what effect that will have on everybody. It's a difficult call."
Responding to Chapman's shout, Nicholls said: "Have a bit more belief in Nicky. The BHA don't need to go down there, or anyone else.
"Nicky is going to do a fantastic job. If he turns up, you'll know full well they've got plenty of confidence in him."
Replying to Nicholls, Chapman said: "It's not doubt. I think Nicky needs back-up. I don't want him standing in that paddock with 20 journalists asking: 'Why did you run this horse?'"
Nicholls is set to lose his current stable jockey Harry Cobden later this year as the former champion begins his new deal to ride in the JP McManus colours from May.
That leaves an opening at Ditcheat for the return, in some form, of Sam Twiston-Davies, with Nicholls revealing he will be making dinner for the pair this Friday as they discuss the terms of their 'gentleman's agreement'.
Nicholls looks likely to turn to Twiston-Davies for a number of his biggest rides, while young stable stars such as Freddie Gingell get more experience in the saddle.
"I'm cooking him [Twiston-Davies] supper on Friday evening, so look out Sammy," Nicholls said.
"He's going to come and we're going to have a chat. He's riding Rubaud over the weekend and he knows the nature of the job.
"There's going to be some good spare rides going and he'll be number one choice to ride them. We're going to look at a gentleman's agreement and help each when we can.
"Freddie Gingell has been riding as our number two and he still needs plenty of Grade 1 experience. Sometimes those young lads can be chucked in the deep end too soon.
"It's almost two years too soon for Freddie. He's a very talented jockey, he just needs more experience."
