Barry Geraghty
Barry Geraghty: A case of what might’ve been for Constitution Hill
William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty reflects on connections’ decision not to go to Cheltenham with Constitution Hill and to stick to the Flat from now on.
Geraghty said: “The dream was alive on the back of Southwell. If he was to line up in the Champion Hurdle and his jumping was up to standard, it would have been exciting to see him transfer the level of form he showed at Southwell to Cheltenham.
“There’s no doubt the decision would have weighed on Nicky [Henderson] and Michael [Buckley]. We’ve got to praise them for being able to make the decision, and make the right decision for the horse and his career.
“Looking at the bigger picture, I’m much happier for him to step away in one piece and have another avenue to explore with a career on the Flat which will be exciting too.”
Watching Constitution Hill’s career “a massive rollercoaster”
“On a personal level, it’s been a massive rollercoaster. Two years after I retired, standing in the winners’ enclosure watching him win the Supreme, I didn’t expect to be there with a superstar ever again. For him to break the course record on just his third start over hurdles just shows what a special talent he is.
“It was the high without the adrenaline [of riding], so it was different. Mostly to be there with my wife Paula and our children, who had all ridden Constitution Hill. He was a pet in the field to them, but they didn’t just feed him carrots, they actually rode him.
“They all had that connection too, so it was more of a shared family experience than anything I would have had in the saddle. It really was a magic day, as I thought that part of my career was over, and a brilliant day for our family. It was one of my highlights at Cheltenham.”
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
