Constitution Hill is in at Southwell after four horses were not declared for his intended target. He goes there facing a wide draw, while another on the move is Paul Townend, who is set to ride at Exeter on Friday.
Find out more of what is making the racing news today in our headline round-up.
Constitution Hill to run at Southwell
2023 Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill is guaranteed of a run at Southwell on Friday. Connections faced an anxious wait to learn their fate, but four horses were not declared above him in the ballot. As such, a flat debut beckons, for which Oisin Murphy will be aboard. Murphy has won the Cesarewitch for Henderson previously, but will have to contend with stall 12. The contest is due off at 7.30 during the second Friday Night Live meeting. (Racing Post)
Townend to ride at Exeter
Irish Champion Jockey and Willie Mullins’ retained rider Paul Townend is heading to Exeter on Friday. Townend will be having his first ride at the Devon track in the Listed Mares’ Chase. He will partner likely favourite Fun Fun Fun, who won at Perth last season on a British away day, but was only fourth to stablemate Spindleberry at Doncaster recently. Townend said he is looking forward to “a new experience.” (Sporting Life)
Panic Attack tops Timeform Grand National ratings
Dan Skelton’s mare Panic Attack has topped Timeform’s adjusted ratings for the 2026 Grand National. The ten-year-old has enjoyed a sensational season, winning both the Paddy Power and Coral Gold Cups. She has since won a Listed race against her own sex to potentially set up Cheltenham and Grand National tilts. In Timeform’s review of Grand National weights, which were published on Tuesday, their estimations would make her the one to beat.
Cheltenham hope Saint Clovis dies on gallops
There was tragic news for the Cooper family on Wednesday after they reported Saint Clovis had died on the gallops. Trained by Tom Cooper, father of former jockey Bryan, the horse had won well at Cheltenham in November. That race has worked out well for form, leading to Champion Bumper hopes. However, the four-year-old collapsed on the gallops earlier this week, tragically denting the team’s chances. (The Sun)
BHA Pattern Committee releases report
The British Horseracing Authority’s Pattern Committee released its changes for the race programme in 2026. Changes included changes in location for certain races, as well as in the criteria for others. For example, the Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes, previously at Haydock, will now be run at Epsom as the Tattenham Corner Stakes, and the Listed Further Flight Stakes moved to Musselburgh as the Goliath Cup. (BHA)