Superstar hurdler Constitution Hill blitzed the field on his flat debut at Southwell. His next target is now the subject of much debate, though Grangeclare West is definitely heading back to the Grand National after his Bobbyjo success at Fairyhouse.
We round-up the weekend’s action in our round-up of the racing news today.
Constitution Hill has options after starring at Southwell
Constitution Hill delivered with aplomb during his flat debut at Southwell on Friday night. The nine-year-old scraped into the field on Wednesday after declarations, but dazzled in a remarkable nine-and-a-half-length success. Jockey Oisin Murphy, who was in the saddle for the first time aboard the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero, compared Constitution Hill to “a machine.” He is now the favourite for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. (BBC)
However, his participation next month is far from guaranteed. Constitution Hill’s owner Michael Buckley’s dream target would be the Melbourne Cup in November. The “race that stops a nation” is a 2m flat race down under. Constitution Hill’s Southwell performance has put him on track for any flat target for the rest of the year. Nevertheless, Buckley also conceded that “I’m going to think we could have won it” should he not run in the Champion Hurdle. (Sky Sports)
Four of Nicky Henderson’s fellow trainers have had their say on Constitution Hill’s future too. Dan Skelton, Alan King, Paul Nicholls and Olly Murphy weighed in on a topic creating plenty of debate. The first-named duo were in consensus for him to remain on the flat, with Nicholls on the fence. Murphy, however, stated he would “have a crack at the Champion Hurdle” were Constitution Hill under his care. (Sporting Life)
Grangeclare West sets up Grand National bid
2025 Grand National third Grangeclare West perfectly set up a tilt to go two better at Fairyhouse. The ten-year-old came from last place to win the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase. That race has been won by the last two Grand National winners en route to glory, both of whom are Willie Mullins-trained stablemates in I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett. He is now third behind I Am Maximus and favourite Iroko in this year’s Grand National betting. (Mirror)
Kempton’s Grade 2 winners have Cheltenham prospects
The winners of the Grade 2 events at Kempton on Saturday all have Cheltenham prospects. Klub De Reve won the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle, with trainer Harry Derham saying he “will definitely consider Cheltenham.” Later on the card, Jax Junior was an authoritative winner of the Pendil Novices’ Chase. His handler Lucy Wadham enthused that “we’ll have a crack at the Arkle.” Jane Williams was less forthcoming, saying La Luna Artista “looked better today” in winning the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle. Her Festival chanes are up in the air. (Racing Post)
Potters Charm lands Fontwell showpiece
Grade 2 honours went the way of Potters Charm at Fontwell on Sunday. The Sussex venue’s feature race of the season, the National Spirit Hurdle, took place to conclude the weekend’s action. The odds-on favourite duly delivered for the Twiston-Davies team, though not before a late thrust in second from 13-year-old Brewin’upastorm. (SussexWorld)
Ka Ying Rising breaks record
Lastly, sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising became a record breaker on Sunday. David Hayes’ global star won the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin for an 18th straight victory. That ensured he surpassed Silent Witness’ 17 winning streak on Hong Kong shores. It was Ka Ying Rising’s eighth Grade 1 triumph as Zac Purton guided him to a three-and-a-half length winning margin. (South China Morning Post)