Former Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill is rarely far from the headlines in the racing world, but his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival is worthy of of gossip, as he is reportedly heading for Southwell’s Friday Night Live flat fixture. We cover this latest update on Nicky Henderson’s superstar, as well as the the other stories making waves in the racing world in our latest round-up.
Today’s Racing round-up
Superstar hurdler Constitution Hill is set to take in a prep run on the flat as Nicky Henderson laid out plans for a tilt at regaining his Champion Hurdle crown three years on from his victory in the race. The nine-year-old is reportedly set to be entered at Southwell on February 20 as the all-weather track prepares to host its Friday Night Live fixture, the new initiative aimed at drawing younger viewers to the sport. Constitution Hill’s target is a brand new £40,000 1m4f novice contest and would be his first run on the flat. (ITV Racing)
Constitution Hill is among the 16 entries made for the 2026 Champion Hurdle, as entries for three further Cheltenham Festival contests were made on Tuesday. He joins stablemate Sir Gino in that race, as well as defending champion Golden Ace, who also features in the entries for the Mares’ Hurdle with Lossiemouth, who could chase a hat-trick in the mares’ only event. Entries for the Stayers’ Hurdle were also released, with the Robcour pair of Teahupoo and Bob Olinger heading 29 potentials for Cheltenham’s Thursday feature. (Racing Post)
On the continent, France Galop were celebrating a “record season” as they revealed their attendance figures for 2025 on Tuesday. Attendances at the five France Galop racecourses, encompassing Auteuil, Chantilly, Deauville, Longchamp and Saint-Cloud, rose 8% during the year to a total of 438,000, with live music events and outdoor sports broadcasts credited with helping their cause. Among the big races to occur at France Galop courses is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. (France Galop)
On home shores, the Grade 2 Hampton Novices’ Chase has been rearranged having been lost to the abandonment of Warwick’s fixture last Saturday. The race will be incorporated into Windsor’s Winter Million meeting on Sunday, while eight horses have been entered for the contest after it was reopened on Tuesday, including Jeriko Du Reponet, Salver and Wade Out. (British Horseracing Authority)
Lastly, to the action on Wednesday, and Nicky Henderson could be set to unleash his latest weapon at Newbury should the track be given the go ahead to race. His exciting French recruit Fire Warning will be a rare runner for Seven Barrows in Rich Ricci’s famous silks; the five-year-old was third on his only start in France. Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack could also run on the card in the Listed Alder Demain & Akers Mares’ Chase. (At The Races)