Nicky Henderson has bemoaned his luck with Constitution Hill and Sir Gino this season. The Seven Barrows master believes he has “the two best horses”, while at Cheltenham, the drain issue which blighted Trials Day has been repaired.
Catch up on these stories and more in our racing news round-up on Friday.
Henderson retains faith in Constitution Hill
Despite an unusual build-up, Nicky Henderson backs Constitution Hill as being “as good as ever”. The nine-year-old was an awesome winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle, but his career has been derailed since. With three falls in his last four starts, the former champion is being aimed at a Southwell all-weather contest, which Henderson is confident “will do him some good.” However, Henderson is taking it one step at a time, stating “we don’t know if he’ll run in the Champion Hurdle.” (PA via Racing TV)
Cheltenham preparations include fixed drain
The drain issue which caused a controversial end to Trials Day at Cheltenham has been repaired. With preparations well underway for the Cheltenham Festival in a month’s time, fears were simmering regarding ground safety. However, after a sunken drainage hole threatened an abandoned end to Trials Day, clerk of the course Jon Pullin confirmed repairs had taken place. (Racing Post)
Alexei “has got quicker this season” says Tizzard
Joe Tizzard’s Cheltenham hopeful Alexei “has got quicker this season” according to trainer Joe Tizzard. Speaking on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast, Alexei’s handler suggested Graded company was always going to be a formality for the former German flat horse, as he prepares for a tilt at the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday. Tizzard concluded his comments on the horse saying: “I couldn’t be happier with where he is.” (Sporting Life)
Aisling Oscar aims for nine in a row
History seeker Aisling Oscar will attempt to set a modern record of nine successive handicap wins this Saturday. Adrian Keatley’s charge has racked up a remarkable sequence of victories, winning eight in a row to this point. The five-year-old was third on his debut for Keatley in November prior to this sequence and Newcastle will be the track at which he will attempt to make history. He is 29lb higher in the handicap than when joining Keatley three months ago. (At The Races)
Rachael Blackmore reveals pregnancy on social media
Speaking of history-makers, former Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore has announced her pregnancy on social media. The news comes just weeks after her marriage to fellow jockey Brian Hayes. Blackmore set multiple firsts during her career, most notably winning the 2021 Grand National to be the first female jockey to do so. She retired at the end of last season, having won two races at her final Cheltenham Festival. (The Sun)