Constitution Hill will face six rivals as he returns to the flat at Kempton on Saturday. A septet of stars will contest the Group 3 September Stakes. Meanwhile, the Sprint Cup field is down to eight after 22mm of rain fell at Haydock, American Affair having defected.
Here is the racing news today rounded up ahead of the weekend.
Constitution Hill one of seven in September Stakes
Seven have been declared for the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton. The star attraction is of course Constitution Hill, the former Champion Hurdler returning to the scene of his latest victory. He steps up markedly in class to face recent Group 1 participants Gethin and Tornado Alert. Also in the line-up are Group winners Dubai Future and Pride Of Arras, two-time Listed scorer Almeric and the progressive royal runner Warrant Holder. (Racing Post)
Almeraq set for Sprint Cup
Royal Ascot winner Almeraq will seek to bounce back from is July Cup disappointment in the Group 1 Sprint Cup. Saturday’s Group 1 contest takes place at Haydock over 6f. Almeraq won an international edition of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the royal meeting. However, he finished third last when favourite at Newmarket next time out. Angus Gold, of owners Shadwell, said of their hopeful that: “he’s drawn in the middle so hopefully he can get a lead early and get him to finish off.” (Sporting Life)
The Sprint Cup field was already relatively small with just nine runners declared. However, it has become smaller since, as American Affair is a non-runner due to likely ground conditions. 22mm of rain hit Haydock between Thursday and Friday. The going is now officially heavy at the Lancashire track, with it unlikely to dry considerably before racing on Saturday. Haydock’s meeting is already underway, with the second of three days of racing occurring on Friday. (Racing Post)
British Horseracing Authority releases 2027 fixture list
The 2027 fixture list for horse racing has been released by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). It had been expected that a considerable cut in quantity would occur compared to 2026. However, only 18 fewer meetings are scheduled compared to this year, with 1,440 set to take place in all. This continues a steady decline since 2019, in which over 1,500 meetings took place. Nevertheless, there is a cut across the board, with fewer turf, all-weather and jumps meetings. (BHA)
Acclamation Star claims Salisbury Group 3 honours
There was Group race action at Salisbury on Thursday. The Group 3 Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes involved an upset too, as 28/1 shot Acclamation Star won for trainer James Owen. She was guided to success by Kieran Shoemark, who gave her a superb front-running ride. Acclamation Star made all to hold off Dark Issue by half-a-length. It was a second career success in six starts for the juvenile, who has contested races at Royal Ascot and Newmarket’s July meeting. (Sporting Life)