Constitution Hill will race at Southwell on Friday after making the final field of 14.
Connections of the most talked about horse in racing faced a nervous wait prior to Wednesday declarations. Constitution Hill required two horses above him in the ballot to be taken out before a run was guaranteed.
It was clear from before the 10am deadline that enough withdrawals were to be made. Ultimately, four horses above him were taken out, assuring him of a pre-Cheltenham race.
The novice event he will take part in is worth £40,000. Southwell put on the race in the hopes of attracting the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero, though a ballot to determine the order of priority saw Constitution Hill outside of the guaranteed cut line prior to Wednesday’s declaration cut-off.
However, all of Secret Squirrel, John Galt, Tide Lines and Summer Appeal were not declared. Nicky Henderson’s plan for a confidence boosting race will now go ahead as the 2026 Champion Hurdle looms.
Southwell race set to make many headlines
Never has there been such excitement in the build-up to a race at Southwell.
Their Friday card was already set to be unique in being the first Friday Night Live fixture at the track. That, in itself, was exciting given the emphasis on bringing a younger audience to the races.
That feeling was only heightened further when Nicky Henderson outlined plans for Constitution Hill to run on the flat. Henderson is keen on building his confidence back after three falls from his last four races.
The road to racing has not been smooth, however. Constitution Hill initially fell outside of the guaranteed field and required others to miss out on the race. Given the prize money on offer and the occasion, that was far from a given.
Now, with four runners not declared and Constitution Hill safely inside the 14-strong field, anticipation can build.
That anticipation will only be more fervent due to Oisin Murphy’s presence in the saddle. Murphy is a five-time champion jockey on the flat and most recognisable British name who could be in the saddle.
There is the extra needle of a Henderson vs Mullins battle in the race too. Last week, Mullins confirmed his intention of sending a horse across to contest the race. Sure enough, Daddy Long Legs has been declared to come across from Ireland and Ryan Moore will take the ride.
It will therefore serve as an excellent hors d’oeuvre for the Cheltenham Festival. The race will be of some significance in its own right, particularly as a Champion Hurdle tilt is not yet determined at Seven Barrows. Henderson admitted to Sky Sports that his “mind is changing every day” regarding Constitution Hill’s Cheltenham prospects.