The appearance of Constitution Hill on Wednesday has boosted Kempton‘s ticket sales for their evening meeting. However, Nicky Henderson has admitted he “wishes he hadn’t declared” his star given the publicity surrounding the former Champion Hurdler.
As Constitution Hill dominates the racing news today, you can find out further headlines in our daily round-up.
Constitution Hill declared for Kempton on Wednesday
Constitution Hill’s declaration for Kempton on Wednesday has seen ticket sales increase at the Surrey track. The nine-year-old sparkled at Southwell on his only flat start to date when winning by over nine lengths. He will compete in his second flat race on Kempton’s all-weather on Wednesday evening. The novice contest is a class 3 event over 1m4f, with Constitution Hill long odds-on to score again. Kempton’s general manager Simon Durrant announced that “we were very excited to see him declared this morning.” (Racing Post)
However, Nicky Henderson has admitted that his pre-match nerves are as strong as ever. Though continuing to be excited about the prospect of Constitution Hill’s 2026 flat campaign, Henderson has said that “he’s (Constitution Hill) pivoted into film star land and we’re putting all the pressure on ourselves.” There is a suggestion that connections will step him up in class should Wednesday’s contest go smoothly to plan. (PA via Sporting Life)
Tony Carroll aiming to hold on in all-weather title race
The race to be top trainer on the all-weather is on, with the all-weather season officially concluding on Good Friday (April 3). There is all-weather racing year-round. However, the dedicated season on artificial surfaces takes place when there is no racing on turf. Tony Carroll leads the way, with the 69-year-old having sent out 63 winners to this point. James Owen, on 52, is a clear second, with Andrew Balding among those chasing from further back. (Racing Post)
Madara to tackle National fences in Topham
Cheltenham Festival winner Madara is being geared towards the Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree. Madara won the Plate Handicap Chase on day one of Cheltenham in fine style. The handicapper has reassessed him since that run, putting him up 10lb. Owner Bryan Drew admitted Graded chases were considered, but that for now, his mark of 150 remains a decent one for handicaps, with the Topham the “target for the moment”. (Racing TV)
Ethical Diamond ready to roll in Dubai Sheema Classic
Willie Mullins’ quest for brilliance knows no bounds. Just weeks after the Cheltenham Festival, he will target international Group 1 glory on the flat. Ethical Diamond, who memorably won him the Breeders’ Cup Turf in November, is on course for the Dubai Sheema Classic. The six-year-old galloped on the Meydan turf on Monday in preparation for the big race. He will take on the world’s highest-rated flat horse in Calandagan. (Sporting Life)