Constitution Hill is to be ridden by Ryan Moore on his second flat start. Nicky Henderson has confirmed him for Kempton next week, while JP McManus may own a huge team at the Grand National.
Find out more about the racing news today as we head into the weekend in our daily round-up.
Constitution Hill’s Kempton quest aided by Ryan Moore
Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill will run at Kempton next Wednesday. In that contest, he is set to be partnered by Ryan Moore. The race is worth £6,500 to the winner, though it is only an entry at this stage. Oisin Murphy was in the saddle when Constitution Hill stormed to victory on his flat debut. Thereafter he was ruled out of the Champion Hurdle, with Kempton’s novice event the next step during his new-found flat career. (The Sun)
McManus sextet could dominate Grand National
JP McManus’ colours are currently set to be carried by four of the top five in the Grand National betting. However, as well as that quartet, McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry has suggested two more big names could take part. Those are Spillane’s Tower, who was a last-minute removal from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Oscars Brother, fourth in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. The latter is favourite for the Irish National, but Berry said “it wouldn’t surprise me if he went to Liverpool.” (Racing Post)
BHA keen to combat “consistent pattern” of racism
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced plans to tackle what is a “consistent pattern” of racism according to research. Said research was commissioned by the governing body of horse racing. Underrepresented groups in racing had reported “negative experiences, barriers to progression (which are often hidden), inconsistent support, and a lack of trust in reporting systems”. The BHA has launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy to combat this. (BBC)
Final Demand to remain on home shores for late-season target
Star novice chaser Final Demand will not run at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. Connections have confirmed that his late-season target will be in Ireland. The WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse has been outlined as a potential option during Easter weekend. However, Willie Mullins’ charge may also be kept fresh for Punchestown, which occurs between April and May. The slower going at Fairyhouse may be the deciding factor. (PA via Racing TV)
Chris Waller predicting “something special” from latest Aussie superfilly
Chris Waller, who trained the mighty Winx to her extraordinary sequence of 33 straight wins, is predicting “something special” on Saturday. That something is predicted of Autumn Glow, his latest potential superfilly. A two-time Group 1 winner already, the four-year-old boasts an exemplary 10/10 record in her career to date. She will contest the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday seeking an 11th straight success. (Racing Post)