Constitution Hill‘s planned Cheltenham Festival prep race at Southwell may attract some serious rivals based on Willie Mullins‘ recent quotes.
Mullins is now targeting the £40,000 novice contest which the former Champion Hurdler is set to run in. The race is part of Southwell’s Friday Night Live meeting next week.
The novice event was added to the schedule based on Constitution Hill’s likely participation before Cheltenham. However, the prize money on offer was always likely to attract some high class opposition.
And Mullins, speaking at a Jockey Club press event via the Racing Post, is one trainer eyeing the prize.
On whether he will send a horse across for the race, the Closutton master was effusive: “Of course I am. A 40-grand race on a dirt track – of course I’m going to try to send something over for it!
“I’m giving it some thought. Obviously, somebody pumped in the money and brought it a week forward. It’s great. I’m not going to complain when somebody puts in extra prize-money for an owner to win, and hopefully it’s one of my owners that win it.”
Mullins expecting Newmarket trainers to be involved
The race has sparked as much publicity as any hosted at Southwell previously.
Both the chance to see Constitution Hill, and the fact it takes place at a Friday Night Live event, ensure the eyes of the racing world will be fixed on the Midlands track. That extends both to viewers and those who could take part.
Mullins is certain the best of his peers on the flat will also be keen on landing the pot.
“I think every trainer in the country will want to have a runner in that race and I’m wondering what Newmarket yards are going to target it. Are you hearing anything from the likes of Roger Varian or John Gosden? They’re all going to pull something out for it, aren’t they?”
Some have critiqued the event given it appears to cater to just one horse. Despite this, Mullins is looking on the bright side, especially for one very specific reason.
“It’s going to create a lot of positive publicity for racing and I don’t see a negative. I’m always intrigued how to pronounce Southwell, so we’ll see them over there and find out!”
There will be an 18-day gap between the contest and the 2026 Champion Hurdle. For all the timing may work out perfectly for Constitution Hill, his chances of victory may diminish given the prospect of a strong field with Mullins in tow.