JOCKEY Nico de Boinville has hit back at Paddy Brennan after leading Constitution Hill to Christmas Hurdle success.
The 35-year-old was on board as the veteran hurdler scored a brilliant win over rival Lossiemouth.
Constitution Hill‘s jumping career looked in doubt after being kept off the track due to a respiratory issue earlier this year.
The seven-year-old was also treated for colic in April – but has since staged a stunning comeback.
Prior to the race, ex-jockey Brennan joined the Unbridled podcast alongside racing pundit Matt Chapman.
Brennan was so confident in Lossiemouth beating Constitution Hill he bet Chapman a day out in London.
He added: “I think it’s impossible to beat something like Lossiemouth. The way things stands today.”
Following a slick jumping display, Constitution Hill stayed on courageously to hold off the Willie Mullins-trained challenger.
A delighted De Boinville told ITV Racing: “He felt fantastic. I think he’s had a bit of a blow going into the last there, so he’s going to improve an awful lot.
“There’s still a bit of ring-rustiness being off for a year or so.
“I think all credit has to be taken to the guv’nor [trainer Nicky Henderson]. All hands have to be taken off to him.
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“Because that is some training performance. Delighted. Jayden who looks after him, Matthew who rides him every day.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s definitely worth the wait.”
And De Boinville couldn’t resist a parting shot at Brennan.
He added: “And one more thing, Paddy Brennan, you can shove that where the sun don’t shine.”
Constitution Hill has now won the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton three times.
Trainer Nicky Henderson is confident he is back to his best – and intends to get another run in before March’s Cheltenham Festival.
Henderson said: “It’s been entertaining getting him back.
“A lot of things we’ve done differently, some of it’s gone well and others a bit of a struggle.
“The last three weeks have been very, very good. I’ve never seen him look better.”
