Nicky Henderson has confirmed neither Constitution Hill nor Shishkin will make their intended reappearance at Sandown this afternoon.

The Esher venue passed its initial 7.30am inspection but the clerk of the course Andrew Cooper stated they will continue to monitor conditions with further rainfall expected throughout the morning.

Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, Henderson said: "Due to the extremely testing going, we have decided that Constitution Hill will not run in today's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown because it would simply not be fair to race him under such extreme conditions on his first run of the season.

"It is too close to Boxing Day, and he can't do both, so, all being well, he'll go straight to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle."

On Shishkin's withdrawal, he added: "Shishkin has also been withdrawn, along with Willmount from his intended engagement in the Listed Novices' Hurdle."

One Henderson-trained star who will take up his intended engagement is Jonbon. The JP McManus-owned multiple Grade 1 winner landed the Shloer Chase on his reappearance and looks likely to go off a short price to land this afternoon's Tingle Creek.

Henderson said: "I will speak to JP [McManus, owner] with regards to the participation of Impose Toi and Chantry House, but the good news is that Jonbon will take his chance in the Tingle Creek.

"He has had a run so is fit and well, and the ground is much more suitable on the chase course. It is very unfortunate, and we are all sorry they won't be turning up, but we have to put the horses first — it's as simple as that."