Constitution Hill given surprise Royal Ascot entry into blockbuster £650k race

has been given a surprise entry into the Gold Cup at . The hurdler is expected to race in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival later this week, but a change to the Flat could beckon.

's stable star has underwhelmed in his last few outings, falling at the fifth in the Champion Hurdle at the before coming down two-out in the Aintree Hurdle earlier this month. Connections have been insistent that Constitution Hill remains a top jumper and his last two mistakes are rare, and he will be hoping to redeem himself when he travels to Ireland for Friday's race.

However, a change of sphere does appear to be an option that is being considered by Henderson and owner Michael Buckley. The gelding features on the entry list for the Royal Ascot Gold Cup in June and is widely available for the race at 14/1. The 2m 3f contest was worth £650,000 in prize money last year and is the biggest staying race at the meeting.

Speaking about the decision, Henderson told PA: "It's something we've discussed over the last couple of years to be fair. Due to the fact he's had two tumbles, you could say Flat racing is a good idea, but that's not really the point and it's something we've mulled over and discussed for a good year or so.

"I know we schooled him over fences, as you saw in the film I put out on Sunday, but he won't be going chasing and the Flat is another option. We have every intention of running at Punchestown on Friday and the plan is to travel on Wednesday, but after that we will take a view."

Reigning champion Kyprios is the ante-favourite to retain his crown following his successful reappearance last week. The -trained colt cruised to victory at Navan over 1m6f at odds of 1/7 under jockey Ryan Moore.

Kyprios enjoyed an unbeaten season last year, and racing fans will be excited to see him battle it out with Constitution Hill, one of the faces of National Hunt racing, if both runners head to post on June 19.

Burdett Road and Absurde, who have both proved themselves as excellent dual-purpose horses, are also among the entries.