Unbridled: Paddy Brennan doubles up on ‘beatable’ Constitution Hill and reacts to Nic de Boinville’s call | Racing news
Paddy Brennan has doubled down on his comments on Constitution Hill, insisting the winner of the Christmas Hurdle is “winnable”, and believes Nico de Boinville’s post-race reaction is good for the sport.
Speaking to Matt Chapman on Unbridled earlier this season, Brennan promised to take his co-host out for a ‘fancy dinner’ in London if the Nicky Henderson star made a triumphant return to Kempton on Boxing Day.
After riding Constitution Hill to victory over Lossiemouth on Christmas Day, rider De Boinville jokingly told Brennan he was “pushing him where the sun don’t shine”.
The pair were later photographed together as Brennan congratulated De Boinville on a good run, but the former weighing room favorite is adamant Lossiemouth can still have a day in the sun.
“I was in trouble early on at Kempton, it wasn’t good to watch,” Brennan said. “Lossiemouth jumped first and I thought, ‘She’s in big trouble’. Maybe she couldn’t go at that pace or she just didn’t turn up.
“I don’t mind being wrong, I’ll be wrong again. I’ll always have my opinion, and sometimes they can be too loud, and sometimes they’ll be wrong.
“What we’ve done in this case is reveal the character. Who’s ever seen that side of Nico de Boinville before? No one. Sometimes it’s boring.”
Asked by Chapman if he thought Constitution Hill was back to his best, Brennan said: “I think this is the first time you could look at him in a race and think he was beatable.
“I think Nico was amazing with him, he had a plan. Nico was always ready if the tank was empty, but he didn’t give Constitution Hill a chance to have his tank empty.
“He was always aware of his position, he jumped amazingly. There was one obstacle where he was a little too bold. You wouldn’t want to keep it up or he’d be on the floor.
“About 10 furlongs before the last, where you might normally put a bite in his mouth and show him, he soon ducked down and squeezed hard all the way to the line. That’s where I thought he was outmatched.
“I couldn’t believe how close it was [Lossiemouth] got, all things considered. What gives you hope, if you’re Willie Mullins or Rich Ricci, is that she won by just a couple of lengths and maybe in the Champion Hurdle on a slower surface, I wouldn’t rule her out. I’d still be on her side.”
Chapman replied, “I don’t agree at all. Constitution Hill is unbeatable.
“He’s been great with his hurdles before, last flight in the Champion Hurdle, but his jumping is outstanding.”
Henderson also joined the panel via phone for episode six and, perhaps surprisingly, sided with Brennan.
He said: “I agree with Paddy, nothing is invincible but it’s the Constitution that they have to beat.”
