Constitution Hill faces its toughest test in what will be his first campaign in 12 months when he faces Lossiemouth in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Much has been said and written about Nicky Henderson’s pride and joy since his impressive second win in Group One last year.

No one could have imagined how many trials and tribulations his relationship had gone through during this period, to the point where he saw his spot as March Champion Hurdle favorite lost to Lossiemouth.

First there was a disastrous racecourse gallop at Kempton, before he was discovered to have an infection that would rule him out of Cheltenham, and then a bout of colic.

Just when Henderson was hoping to carve out a clear path with his run at the start of the season, he limped back to the racecourse from Newbury when another problem at the racecourse meant he couldn’t run Game 5.

However, he is now fit again and is reportedly firing on all cylinders – something he will need against Lossiemouth.

Her only failure was when she encountered traffic problems at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival, since she won the Triumph Hurdle, the International, the Marais Hurdle and last time out the Hatton Grace.

Trained by Willie Mullins in Rich Ricci colours, Lossiemouth is officially rated 15lb lower than Constitution Hill but she has a 7lb hen Horse allowance to match her racing fitness.

There were only two other runners. James Owen’s Greatwood Hurdle winner Burdett Road and Sam Thomas’ one-time overall winner finished second to Constitution Hill’s in the fifth battle Super sub Sir Gino.

Spillane’s Tower ranked 11th in the King George mix

Gray Dawning, Il Est Francais and Spillane’s Tower are among 11 runners announced for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

Dan Skelton’s Gray Dawning was the winner of last season’s Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and was the winner of last month’s He looks to be the home side’s choice after being touched by Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Chase.

Trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, Il Est Francais performed well over the King George track and distance in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase 12 months ago, despite being pulled out at Auteuil last time. But still deserves a huge amount of respect.

Il Est Francais is joined by fellow General En Chef, who finished fourth on his British debut in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, and David Cottin’s supplementary contender Juntos Ganamos, who also hopes to be The first French-trained King George winner since his first gold in 2000.

A strong Irish squad is headed by Spillane’s Tower, newbie Jimmy Mangan, a two-time Division One winner last season, and John Durkan of Punchestown a month ago. (John Durkan) On the court, he was narrowly shut out by JP McManus’ Rising Stars Fact To File.

Despite concerns over dry ground, Spilanta (Mark Walsh) was added to the King George field last week. The McManus colors will also be carried by the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross, with top amateur Derek O’Connor coming in from 3 Returning to racing for the first time since 17 wins in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in January.

Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge and Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen also crossed the Irish Sea, but Last year’s winner Hewick has yet to be announced, with those interested opting to have him hurdled at Leopardstown later this week.

The 2022 King George hero Bravemansgame seeks to regain the title and give trainer Paul Nicholls a record 14th race win.

The line-up also includes L’Homme Presse, who is making his debut since finishing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup for Venetia Williams last season, and Patrick Neville’s Charlie Holchase Hall Chase winner The Real Whacker will be partnered by shock driver Gavin Sheehan, who won the title 12 months ago.