Constitution Hill Set for Southwell Return in New £40,000 Novice Contest
Champion hurdler Constitution Hill is slated to make his return to racing in a specially created £40,000 novice contest on the Flat at Southwell Racecourse on february 20th. The race, added to the Friday Night live series, aims to provide the former champion with a confidence-boosting run ahead of a potential bid for the Champion Hurdle.
A Challenging Period for Constitution Hill
The highly-regarded Constitution Hill has faced setbacks as falling for the third time in four outings during his return to action in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November (Racing Post). Trainer Nicky Henderson has been seeking a suitable opportunity for the horse to regain his stride on the Flat, believing a less demanding race could rebuild his confidence.
The Creation of a Bespoke Race
Finding a suitable Flat race proved challenging, prompting Henderson to hint at a potential fixture re-jig. Arena Racing Company (ARC),owners of Southwell,responded by adding a new mile-and-a-half novice contest to the February 20th card. This race will be the joint most valuable novice race ever held on an all-weather surface and will be sponsored by SBK bookmakers.
Collaboration Between ARC,SBK,and Nicky Henderson
The initiative was a collaborative effort. Sam Cone, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at ARC, expressed delight in assisting with the opportunity, acknowledging the crucial role of SBK in making it possible. “The race should certainly add an extra dimension to the Friday Night Live fixture at Southwell…to those coming along to experience the evening in person as well as those watching at home,” Cone stated (Sky Sports Racing).
Adam Baylis, marketing Director of SBK, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting British racing.“When Nicky Henderson spoke about the need for a Flat race with these conditions for Constitution Hill, we took the idea to ARC. We’re delighted to have been able to help make it happen and it’s a great boost to the Friday Night Live series,” Baylis explained.
What This Means for Constitution Hill’s Season
This race is viewed as a crucial stepping stone for Constitution Hill. A successful performance on the Flat could pave the way for a renewed challenge in the prestigious Champion Hurdle, a race he won in 2022 and 2023. The addition of this race demonstrates the racing community’s willingness to adapt and create opportunities for extraordinary horses to return to form.
Friday Night Live at Southwell
The Friday Night Live series at Southwell has become a popular fixture in the racing calendar, attracting both on-course and television audiences. The addition of this high-profile novice contest, featuring a star like Constitution Hill, is expected to further enhance the event’s appeal. Fans can watch the action live on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.
Key Takeaways
- Constitution Hill will return to racing in a new £40,000 novice contest at Southwell on february 20th.
- the race was created specifically to provide a confidence-boosting opportunity for the champion hurdler.
- The initiative was a collaboration between Arena Racing Company, SBK, and trainer Nicky Henderson.
- A successful run could set the stage for a Champion Hurdle bid.
- The event will be part of the popular Friday Night Live series at Southwell, broadcast on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.
