The day of Constitution Hill‘s flat debut has arrived, with Nicky Henderson and Oisin Murphy excited about the prospect. His race will spark the true countdown to the Cheltenham Festival, as build-up to the Grand National has already begun.
Find out what else is making the racing news today in our daily round-up.
Henderson & Murphy excited for Constitution Hill
Nicky Henderson and Oisin Murphy are excited by the attention surrounding Southwell’s Friday Night Live fixture. Constitution Hill will make his flat debut at the all-weather venue in the 7.30pm novice stakes. Much speculation surrounds the former Champion Hurdle hero, with some revolving around his potential participation before declarations. However, with his place confirmed, connections are confident this can be their springboard to the Cheltenham Festival. (talkSPORT)
Exeter goes ahead to host Townend
The Devon National meeting at Exeter goes ahead on Friday despite adverse weather conditions. Despite waterlogged patches on the track on Thursday, the course was deemed fit for racing following an 8am inspection. The going will be heavy for the duration of the card that has attracted some notable racing figures. Jockey Paul Townend is having his first ride at the rack aboard Fun Fun Fun in the Listed Mares’ Chase. (Racing Post)
Clifford Lee on road to recovery
In more flat news, jockey Clifford Lee is nearing a return to the saddle after a motorbike incident. The 29-year-old suffered a serious neck injury in October just two months after his first Group 1 success. However, after recovering on the sidelines throughout the winter, the worst of his injuries are behind him. Trainer Karl Burke, for whom Lee rides, says it will be “sooner rather than later” before he makes his comeback. (Racing TV)
Grand National build-up begins
Excitement for the 2026 Grand National abounds, as the Bobbyjo Chase is set to be shown live on ITV. The channel’s racing host, Ed Chamberlin, has expressed his delight at the decision, which allows Fairyhouse’s participants to be “in the consciousness of our viewers” months before the big race itself. The last two winners of the Bobbyjo Chase have gone on to win the Grand National itself. A field of ten is set to take part this year, include 2025 Aintree third Grangeclare West. (Racing Post)
On a similar note, BHA Handicapper Martin Greenwood believes this is one of the strongest Grand Nationals ever. Stating how this year’s race “really stands out in quality,” the numbers back up Greenwood’s thinking. As reported in the Guardian, there is a chance that the bottom weight in this year’s renewal could be rated a stone higher than was the case in the 2011 renewal, with a number of horses towards the top of the handicap also rated much higher than their 15-year counterparts. (Guardian)