Following a break, Constitution Hill may return to action at Windsor this weekend provided the unsettling forecast prevails.
The former Champion Hurdler was retired from jumping last season following an unsuccessful schooling session, having lost his jumping way. His career was resurrected on the flat, when a nine length winner of a Class 2 Southwell Novice.
Constitution Hill backed that up at Kempton next time out albeit in a lesser manner, and was subsequently put away.
Henderson would likely have preferred an easier starting point, as several talented horses were entered on Monday morning. One of those is White Birch, who was sold to Jamie Osborne for 300,000 GNS last October. The Ulysses gelding won the 2024 Tattersalls Gold Cup, and it’ll be interesting to see if he retains his ability.
Al Aasy could have his sights lowered after finishing third in a Group 3 at Goodwood. His record in listed company reads 15121. The 2,000,000 GNS purchase Ghostwriter was also entered as he bids to rediscover his earlier promise.
“It’s been a relentless summer” – Charlie Rees
The dry summer has caused havoc to tracks across the country, but a forecast 31mm of rain could hit the Windsor track throughout the week.
Windsor clerk of the course Charlie Rees told the Racing Post: “The forecast looks very unsettled and quite unpredictable. The rain that is forecast looks to be heftier towards the end of the week. But when it comes to thunderstorms they are very hit and miss.
“It’s been a relentless summer and credit must go to the grounds team here. They’ve been facing a drought and extreme temperatures for such a long time. They’ve done a fantastic job to have the track in the condition it is.
“If we were to hit the higher end of the forecast rain, I imagine we would be on the slow side of good. Maybe a bit of good to soft creeping into the description. We’ll have a clearer picture as the week develops.
“We’re blessed in some ways that we are racing tonight, which means we can see what the forecast is like in the morning. It’s a question of whether we put a small amount of water down to stop it drying out ahead of the rain. To have a bit of insurance in case it doesn’t rain as much as we thought. Or do we hold off because we have a lot of rain forecast and don’t need to water when you know you have rain. It’s a decision for tomorrow.”