Irritation gives way to elation as Constitution Hill and his team prove the doubters wrong

After Nicky Henderson completed his passage down the steps that lead into Kempton's winner's enclosure, and with the applause that accompanied his journey still filling the air, Constitution Hill's trainer reacted to what had just occurred with a degree of understatement.

"He still goes," said Henderson of the now triple Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle winner. "It still works," he then added, reinforcing a point that had been made in stirring fashion a couple of minutes earlier. 

Constitution Hill most definitely does still go. What also remains true is no jumper in training can rival the aura that accompanies a thoroughbred who has long since established himself as one of the all-time great hurdlers. It is far from ridiculous to suggest he might be the all-time greatest.