'That gallop is going to be crucial' - Constitution Hill's Punchestown run hangs in the balance

Nicky Henderson says a "crucial" piece of work this week will provide the answer as to whether or not Constitution Hill takes his place in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday week.

The ten-time winner is 5-4 favourite to bounce back to winning ways in Ireland and put successive falls at Cheltenham and Aintree behind him.

However, he must come through a significant piece of work at Seven Barrows for connections to confirm his participation in the Grade 1 on May 2.

Henderson said: "Constitution Hill will have one piece of work, like he would do ten days before any other race, and Nico [de Boinville] will ride him. We're very keen to run, but if it's not up to his very high standards then he won't be able to. I hope we'll be able to go."

Speaking to Nick Luck's podcast, Henderson added: "He went out yesterday and he's been out this morning, and he's fresh, but we're going to have to start making decisions shortly.

"His one piece of work will determine whether we do or we don't go. It's very simple. If he's 100 per cent he'll go, but if he's 98 per cent he won't. That gallop is going to be crucial and everything hinges on that. He's been cantering since, but we'll see."

Nicky Henderson after Constitution Hill's fall at AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

If Constitution Hill does not reappear at Punchestown, he will be put away for next season after two victories from four starts this term.

Henderson added: "I don't think we need to rethink, we just need to start again. There's only so much you can do. We've had lots of advice about what we ought to be doing, but he seems very bright at this moment."

Henderson reported Lulamba to be in good form and believes he has a chance of lining up in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday week.

Second behind 100-1 shot Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, Lulamba was a late non-runner in the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree due to the ground, but could run again in Ireland.

"Lulamba is a possibility," said Henderson. "He worked on Saturday and we're very happy. The horse is so fresh and I think it's very possible."

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Constitution Hill's redemption bid and could we get Galopin Des Champs v Gaelic Warrior? Punchestown festival entries unveiled 

'If I sit here naked, the cameras won't follow me' - Nico de Boinville's cunning plan to avoid spotlight after Constitution Hill fall 

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