Constitution Hill Set to Race on the Flat at Southwell

After an anxious wait as the declarations came in on Wednesday morning, Constitution Hill’s eagerly-awaited appearance on the Flat will go ahead as planned at Southwell on Friday night.

A Pivotal Moment for the Champion

The £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes has been one of racing’s hottest talking points since Nicky Henderson outlined his plan to use the contest as a stopping point en route to a possible tilt at the Champion Hurdle.

The race attracted a bumper entry of 32 entries on Saturday and with Constitution Hill not guaranteed a starting place following the balloting process, his fate was left in the hands of others.

After the safety limit of the class two event was lifted to 14, Constitution Hill needed two horses ahead of him in the elimination process not to be declared on Wednesday morning.

Although there may have been some nerves in Lambourn on the countdown to declarations closing at 10am, the nine-year-old was comfortably among the final field after four runners above him in the priority list were not declared.

Facing Stern Competition

All eyes will now be on the once unbeatable hurdler as he makes his debut on the level under Oisin Murphy, where he will face some stern opposition from Amo Racing’s recent Dundalk scorer Square Necker among others.

Willie Mullins will saddle Daddy Long Legs, with Ryan Moore taking the ride, while another notable jockey booking is Billy Loughnane aboard Fergal O’Brien’s Grade Two-winning hurdler Tripoli Flyer.

Henderson’s Ongoing Deliberation

Nicky Henderson admits he is still changing his mind on a daily basis regarding Constitution Hill’s participation in next month’s Champion Hurdle. The trainer stated, “Let’s hope we secure into this race, run, and then re-consider. And we’ve got a serious re-think. It’s a massive decision.”

“I read last week that Lee [Mottershead, Racing Post] thinks its the biggest decision I’ve had to make in 45 years. Fine. I have to make them on a daily basis.”

Nicky Henderson, via oddsnow.com

Henderson has been evaluating Constitution Hill’s potential on the flat after the horse fell in three of his last four outings.

Looking Ahead

The run at Southwell is intended to aid Henderson determine whether to pursue the Champion Hurdle or explore other options for the nine-year-old. The trainer is flip-flopping on ‘massive decision’, according to reports.

The outcome of Friday’s race will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future path of this once-dominant force in National Hunt racing.