Superstar hurdler trailed home fifth of the six runners as he failed to redeem his reputation after two crashing falls at Cheltenham and Aintree
Star hurdler Constitution Hill looked a shadow of his former self as he trailed home second last at the Punchestown Festival.
The brilliant 2023 Champion Hurdle hero had fallen in his previous two races at Cheltenham and Aintree and was trying to redeem his reputation.
But although he managed a clear round in the Boodles Champion Hurdle, he was never travelling with his usual zest under stand-in jockey James Bowen.
He ballooned the first flight in the Grade One contest and also made an error at the second last which left him with too much to do.
The race was won by 2024 Champion Hurdle winner State Man who made all the running under Paul Townend.
State Man was also a faller at Cheltenham in the Champion Hurdle in March when he had the race at his mercy at the final flight.
This time he winged the jumps as he easily repelled Golden Ace and Kargese.
