CONSTITUTION Hill is in but Inothewayurthinkin is out.

That is the big news this week as entries for the 12 Grade 1 races at the Punchestown Festival were released.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill remains on course for the Boodles Champion Hurdle on Friday, May 2nd.

Now with questions to answer having fallen at both Cheltenham and Aintree, he has still to be beaten when completing and a clash with the likes of Lossiemouth, State Man, Birghterdaysahead and Champion Hurdle heroine Golden Ace is a mouthwatering prospect.

“It is our intention to come to Punchestown,” said Henderson, who is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure at the Kildare track.

“It was my original plan after Cheltenham and then, he was so well, I couldn’t say no to Aintree. Thankfully, I think he’s come out of that very well and we’ve got four weeks to Punchestown. It was only three weeks from Cheltenham to Aintree.

“And don’t forget, in neither race has he actually had a race. He is very fresh at the moment. He’s as fresh as paint here. He’s in terrific shape.

“It’s a long way to go and I can’t tell you anything else at the moment, but we think he’s in good nick and all being well, we will be in Punchestown. We are looking forward to going.”

Referring to the strength of the entries, Henderson went on: “It’s meant to be a great clash of two great horses – State Man and Constitution Hill – and they deserve to have a head-to-head. And we may have more if Lossiemouth, Golden Ace and Brighterdaysahead are there.

“I think everyone has been talking about State Man and Constitution Hill and want to find out what happens if they turn into the straight together. Wow! That’s what it’s all about. It would be fantastic.”

Gavin Cromwell’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin has finished for the season and will not contest the Ladbrokes Gold Cup on Wednesday, April 30th.

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