In a surprising twist for the racing world, National Hunt superstar Constitution Hill is set to make his Flat debut this Friday at Southwell Racecourse. This strategic move comes as trainer Nicky Henderson seeks to reignite the gelding's faltering hurdling career, which has been marred by a series of recent falls.
Why is Constitution Hill Racing on the Flat at Southwell?
The decision to enter Constitution Hill in the SBK Road to Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell's 'Friday Night Live' event is a calculated gamble. Henderson believes that the flat Tapeta surface will allow the horse to focus on galloping rhythm without the pressure of jumping obstacles, potentially rebuilding his confidence after a turbulent period.
A Stellar Career Interrupted
Constitution Hill, a nine-year-old son of Blue Bresil, began his career with an astonishing streak of 10 consecutive victories. His crowning achievements include winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and delivering a record-breaking performance in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, where he dominated the field.
However, his path to greatness was disrupted in 2024 by a severe respiratory infection that forced him to miss his Cheltenham title defence. Although he returned to win the Christmas Hurdle later that year, his recent National Hunt performances have been concerning.
Recent Struggles and a New Approach
In his last four starts over hurdles, Constitution Hill has fallen three times, including a notable tumble at the second hurdle in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. These errors have prompted connections to adopt this unconventional flat racing strategy as a means to reset his form.
Friday's race, starting at 7:30pm, offers a £40,000 prize pot, with £21,600 for the winner. The event will be broadcast live on ITV4 and streamed online via ITVX, drawing significant attention from racing enthusiasts.
The Competition and Key Details
Constitution Hill is priced at 7/4 with Ladbrokes and will face a field of 14 runners. Notable challengers include the Willie Mullins-trained Daddy Long Legs at 9-2 and Amo Racing's Square Necker at 13/8. In a notable change, champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy will take the ride, replacing usual National Hunt partner Nico de Boinville.
This flat debut serves as a crucial preparation for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, where Constitution Hill may aim to reclaim the Champion Hurdle crown on March 10. A strong and safe performance at Southwell could reassure the racing community that he is ready to return to top form and compete at the highest level once again.
