Quick Read
- Constitution Hill, 2023 Champion Hurdle winner, is making his Flat racing debut at Southwell Racecourse.
- The event is drawing record crowds and significant betting interest, with over £250,000 traded on Betfair Exchange.
- Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Oisin Murphy, the nine-year-old will compete in a 1m4f novice stakes race.
- The transition to Flat racing sparks debate about his future, including potential Cheltenham Festival appearances.
- Rivals include Willie Mullins’ Daddy Long Legs, with a G3 hurdling background.
SOUTHWELL (Azat TV) – Constitution Hill, the celebrated former Champion Hurdle winner, is set to make his highly anticipated Flat racing debut this evening at Southwell Racecourse, drawing unprecedented crowds and sparking significant betting activity. The nine-year-old gelding, trained by Nicky Henderson, will compete in the 1m4f novice stakes (7:30 PM GMT), an event that has ignited widespread discussion across the racing world about his potential and future trajectory.
The move marks a pivotal moment for Constitution Hill, who secured the Champion Hurdle title in 2023 with a dominant 14-length victory, achieving a Racing Post Rating of 177 – a score even higher than the legendary Istabraq. His latest hurdles campaign saw him defeat Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle (G1) at Kempton, but his overall hurdling season has been described as ‘bumpy,’ prompting this experimental foray into Flat racing.
Unprecedented Buzz for Constitution Hill’s Debut
The atmosphere at Southwell is electric, with course photographer Tony Knapton, who has been at the track for 32 years, remarking that it is ‘by far the busiest evening meeting I have ever seen here.’ Spectators, including some who have traveled significant distances, are flocking to witness the event, with many delaying their arrival to specifically catch Constitution Hill’s race. Liam Headd, reporting from Lambourn, noted ‘a buzz around the grandstand and in the enclosure ahead of this evening’s meeting,’ despite scattered rain showers.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has been ‘inundated with selfie requests from racegoers,’ highlighting the horse’s celebrity status. The event is also attracting younger demographics, with Invades, an organization focused on bringing young people into the sport, credited for the increased attendance from university students. The widespread attention suggests that, regardless of the outcome, Constitution Hill’s appearance is a significant positive for the sport, generating conversation and drawing new eyes to racing, as one racegoer observed to Racing Post.
Market Frenzy and Jockey Confidence
The betting markets have been highly active, with over £250,000 traded on the race on the Betfair Exchange. Constitution Hill has moved back into favoritism for the novice stakes, with a general 13-8 in fixed odds markets, making him a formidable contender. His jockey, Oisin Murphy, expressed his gratitude and privilege to ride the horse, stating he is ‘not concerned about a wide draw’ for the race.
However, not all market signals are seen as positive by some fans. Bet365’s ‘dreaded super boost’ on Constitution Hill to finish in the top three has been interpreted as a potential ‘dagger to the heart’ for those hoping for a win, according to The Sun. Despite this, the sheer volume of money and attention underscores the magnitude of this particular race.
Rivals and Future Implications for Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill will face 12 rivals in the £40,000 contest, including notable challengers like Willie Mullins’ Daddy Long Legs, a seven-year-old with a G3 background over hurdles and previous Flat racing experience, ridden by Ryan Moore. Another promising contender is Square Necker. Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins confirmed that Daddy Long Legs was not sent ‘for the fresh air,’ indicating a serious challenge.
The racing world is keenly watching to see how the Champion Hurdle winner will adapt to the Flat. Turf Diario highlighted the question looming: ‘how does top-level class over hurdles translate to the flat?’ Historical precedents offer varied outcomes, from Istabraq, a triple Champion Hurdle winner who also raced on the Flat, to Ethical Diamond, who successfully transitioned from hurdles to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf. This debut could be a ‘simple test to clear doubts before an eventual return to Cheltenham’ or the ‘beginning of a second sporting life’ for Constitution Hill.
The decision to transition Constitution Hill to Flat racing, whether a temporary experiment or a long-term strategic shift, highlights the dynamic nature of horse racing careers and the willingness of top stables to explore new avenues for their equine stars.