CONSTITUTION HILL'S owner has taken a swipe back at anger over the decision to keep the superstar horse over hurdles.
Trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed yesterday that the unbeaten monster will not go chasing this season.
Michael Buckley's dream is to win a Gold Cup but the 'major issue' of Constitution Hill not staying the 3m2f trip means he'll remain over the smaller obstacles.
Social media was littered with comments from punters slamming the 'boring' plans.
But others praised the duo for not caving into demand and realising what's best for the horse.
Buckley finally addressed the situation in a stinging rebuke which one punter said showed he is 'done messing with all the haters'.
The entrepreneur told the Racing Post: "I've no doubt the horse could jump fences because he's a great jumper and he's intelligent, but this is what we've decided.
"I've got one simple message for anyone saying we're not being bold or adventurous enough: Nicky's the trainer and I'm the owner and we'll do what we think is best to get the best out of the horse.
"I do get a bit fed up being apologetic about doing what you want to do and what's in the best interests of the horse.
"I'm more fed up with the fact Nicky seems to get a lot of flak, which is outrageous.
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"People can be as critical as they like because I don't give a damn.
"I'm here to enjoy my life and do the best for Nicky and the horse.
"If people want to whine about it, be my guest, but I know people do enjoy him."
Constitution Hill is now a best-price 1-2 to reclaim his Champion Hurdle crown at next year's Cheltenham Festival.
The horse looks set to follow a tried and tested path to victory.
He should start off in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle before going for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
There is a chance, Henderson suggested, he could go for the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day at the end of January, but that's just a Grade 2.
Then it will be back to Cheltenham for the Festival and one of Aintree or Punchestown.
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Henderson said: "That's the logical plan and there's no point deviating from it.
"He's had a good summer – almost too good – but we've plenty of time to get him ready."
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