British Horse Racing has responded to criticism from Nicky Henderson regarding the new padded hurdles after Constitution Hill’s recent fall at Newcastle. Henderson expressed strong agreement with calls to remove these hurdles during a speech on Sunday.
These padded hurdles, which replace the traditional birch-filled ones, have been introduced gradually over the last decade, with all racecourses set to adopt them by October 2026. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) explained on X that these hurdles were developed through extensive collaboration with racecourses, trainers, and jockeys. The design features a wooden frame with a ‘closed cell’ foam pad front instead of birch, aiming to lower fall rates and reduce injury risks for both horses and riders.
Since their introduction, the padded hurdles have been shown to decrease falls by 11% compared to birch hurdles. Overall fall rates over hurdles have dropped from 1.96% in 2016 to 1.65%. The shift to white obstacles from orange also contributed to this improvement. Additionally, injuries such as splinter wounds and skin-related harm have reduced since the new hurdles’ implementation. The BHA reiterated that all tracks should fully implement these hurdles by October 1, 2026.
Former Sky Sports Racing jockeys Mick Fitzgerald and Luke Harvey shared their views on the hurdles and Constitution Hill’s recent troubles, which include three falls in four races. Fitzgerald noted that horses tend to react differently to padded hurdles, sometimes treating them like soft “bubbles,” which might affect their jumping confidence. Harvey suggested the horse might have lost confidence, describing his style as hesitant and second-guessing.
Henderson, appearing on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, ruled out retirement for Constitution Hill but admitted he is considering running him on flat races, given the horse’s exceptional class. He emphasized safety first, stating they won’t push the horse if it’s not right and acknowledged that other racing formats might offer new opportunities.
Fan Take: This debate on padded hurdles highlights the ongoing balance between safety and performance in horse racing. For fans, it underscores the sport’s evolving efforts to protect horses and riders while preserving competitive integrity, which could shape racing’s future trajectory.
