Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa's turbulent past and, today, is home to the country's Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.

The site housed prisoners until 1983, when it was closed. Activists were usually held as awaiting trial prisoners and then sent off to Robben Island or Pretoria to serve jail terms. Brewing beer – an illegal activity if you were black – also landed many women in jail, a situation depicted in the Women Gaol.

Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa's transition from colonialism and apartheid to democracy, with all the pain, pathos and catharsis that such a journey entails.

Constitution Hill won't be racing at Cheltenham this year. Last year's Champion Hurdle winner was the huge favourite to dominate once again, but the seven-year-old has been ruled out. Nicky Henderson, his trainer, was forced to admit defeat last week in his efforts to get the seven-year-old ready for the meeting.