Constitution Hill Earns a Flat Debut at Southwell with Oisin Murphy Set to Ride
Constitution Hill is on course for a much-anticipated Flat debut in Friday’s SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes (19:30) at Southwell, with champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy confirmed aboard.
Initially it looked like the ballot might knock him out after Sunday’s draw to decide which of the 32 entered runners would gain a place. However, connections and race backers will be relieved to see Constitution Hill’s name among the final field after four horses higher up the priority list were not declared on Wednesday morning.
Nicky Henderson’s standout hurdler, who has dropped a couple of races this season—including the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle—heads the star-studded line-up in the 12-furlong contest on the latest Friday Night Live card, which will be broadcast live on ITV4.
Murphy, a five-time champion on the Flat, has ridden for Henderson three times previously with one victory to show for it.
The nine-year-old Constitution Hill, currently Paddy Power’s 11/10 favourite and drawn from stall 12, will not have things all his own way. The £40,000 pot has drawn a maximum field of 14, including Daddy Long Legs from Willie Mullins’ yard, who will be handled by Ryan Moore from stall 1.
Paul Nicholls sends Nardaran (stall 10) with Cieren Fallon aboard, Fergal O’Brien relies on Tripoli Flyer (stall 14), and Dan Skelton has invited Hollie Doyle to ride Gambino (stall 13).
The principal danger to Constitution Hill, according to betting markets, is Square Necker, a Zarak gelded by Amo Racing. He carries 5lb more than the favourite but recently won a Dundalk maiden on his second public appearance last December (replay available).
Looking ahead, Constitution Hill remains a 7/2 third-favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 10, with no firm decision yet made about his participation in the race he struck so impressively in 2023.
Paddy Power’s early market lists: 11/10 Constitution Hill, 7/4 Square Necker, 7/2 Daddy Long Legs, 10/1 Gambino, 14 Grazeon Sunshine, 10/1 Tripoli Flyer, 20 Mr McLoughlan, 50 Roadlesstravelled, 33 Noble Way, 150 Nardaran, 66 Masked Mistress, 150 Miracles Do Happen, Star Artist, 200 Tres Bien.
SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes – Runners and Riders:
1. Gambino (Trainer: Dan Skelton, Jockey: Hollie Doyle)
2. Square Necker (Kevin Philippart de Foy, David Egan)
3. Constitution Hill (Nicky Henderson, Oisin Murphy)
4. Daddy Long Legs (Willie Mullins, Ryan Moore)
5. Grazeon Sunshine (John & Sean Quinn, Jason Hart)
6. Mr McLoughlan (Jack Jones, Hector Crouch)
7. Nardaran (Paul Nicholls, Cieren Fallon)
8. Roadlesstravelled (Jonjo & AJ O'Neill, P.J. McDonald)
9. Star Artist (Hughie Morrison, Rob Hornby)
10. Tripoli Flyer (Fergal O’Brien, Billy Loughnane)
11. Noble Way (David O'Meara, David Nolan)
12. Masked Mistress (Jim & Suzi Best, Finley Marsh)
13. Miracles Do Happen (Tom Lacey, Luke Morris)
14. Tres Bien (Hayley Burton, Darragh Keenan)
