Nicky Henderson has announced that Constitution Hill will skip his intended assignment at Newbury this Saturday. The ground will reportedly be too quick for the nine-year-old. In other flat racing news, Ed Crisford is to start his own operation in Dubai for Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum.
The racing news today is rounded up for Thursday below.
Constitution Hill a non-runner at Newbury
Nicky Henderson announced on his X account that Constitution Hill will not race at Newbury this weekend. He had been an intended runner in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes ever since enhancing his unbeaten record at Kempton last month. However, with ground conditions likely to be too quick, Henderson has pulled the plug. There is no indication at present as to where his next target in flat racing lies. (Racing Post)
Ed Crisford to train privately in Dubai
The Simon & Ed Crisford training partnership will split later this flat season. Son Ed will be going it alone in Dubai after receiving an offer to become Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s private trainer. The pair began training together in 2020, but will split in August when Ed relocates. Together, they have trained Group 1 winners in Vandeek and Choisya. They also recently sent out Fairy Glen to win the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night. (Racing Post)
Three Chelmsford fixtures relocated to Southwell
A further three fixture scheduled at Chelmsford racecourse have been relocated to Southwell by the BHA. The trio of fixtures were meant to occur over the coming three Thursdays. They included the Cardinal Stakes and Chelmer Stakes, with both races set to be run at different tracks. The latter, a Listed contest, will now take place at Goodwood and retain its spot as part of ITV Racing’s coverage on May 2nd. The future of Chelmsford as a racecourse remains unclear, with these moves plunging it further into trouble. (BHA)
Wednesday results: Azleet causes Nell Gwyn upset as Cheltenham Festival winner beaten
Azleet caused a 50/1 shock in the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday. Usually, the 7f contest is used as a springboard to the 1000 Guineas at the track next month. Trained by Stuart Williams, Azleet won two of her seven races as a juvenile. She had been second over 6f on the Rowley Mile in Listed level to conclude her previous campaign. However, she showed tremendous improvement here to beat America Queen by a neck. Therefore, a tilt at the first fillies’ Classic is now on. (Racing TV)
Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle heroine White Noise was beaten in another surprise at Haydock. Taking part in the Listed Abram Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, she was no match for the front-running Dream Shadow, who scored for Fergal O’Brien. White Noise caused a 40/1 upset herself at the Cheltenham Festival under Tom Bellamy. Under more patient tactics here though, she was unable to reel in the leader, finishing second. (At The Races)