What we learnt last week: Constitution Hill, Cheltenham Festival disappointments and a 'race for the ages'...

1. Constitution Hill to gallop again

Twelve months ago, the Champion Hurdle picture was thrown into disarray as Constitution Hill faded disappointingly into third behind two stablemates in a racecourse gallop at Kempton. Fast forward a year, and we're back in the same position, with Constitution Hill set to have a spin around the Sunbury track in front of an eager crowd of press ahead of a Champion Hurdle defence. Whilst last year's gallop shapes better in reflection, with Constitution Hill finishing behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Sir Gino, it is fair to expect a heightened sense of anticipation around the piece of work – and a high level of drama to boot.

2. Cheltenham Festival disappointments hit hard

It is easy to forget the high level of tension in the three weeks preceding the Cheltenham Festival as leading fancies are ruled out. The Betfair exchange usually provides fair warning before the official announcement and that was the case with Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Turners Novices' Hurdle fancy Kawaboomga, who was revealed to have suffered a setback by JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry on Sunday. It was also disappointing to learn that Champion Hurdle and Mares' Hurdle hope Golden Ace had picked up a muscle injury during her Kingwell Hurdle success – antepost backers will be keeping their fingers crossed that Jeremy Scott's mare can make a full recovery.

3. 'A race for the ages'

Commentator Richard Hoiles summed up the feelings of many when naming the Saudi Cup 'a race for the ages' during his call on Saturday night. Racing fans across the globe were captivated by the ding-dong battle between Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior and the Japanese Grade 1 winner Forever Young in the closing strides of the race, with Yoshito Yahagi's charge coming out on top by a neck. Whilst it was disappointing not to see Romantic Warrior add another international success to his burgeoning passport, the gelding lost nothing in defeat on his first start on dirt and will return to Meydan for the Dubai Turf.