Constitution Hill made it two from two on the flat with another comfortable success at Kempton. Ryan Moore guides him to victory while his former jumps partner Nico De Boinville lamented the death of Sir Gino on Tuesday.
Today’s racing news is gathered in our Thursday round-up.
Constitution Hill wins at Kempton
Constitution Hill continued his superb start on the flat with an easy win at Kempton. The nine-year-old made it two from two on the level by quickening off a steady pace. He beat the other previous winner in the field in Classical Allusion by two lengths. This success was not achieved by quite the same wide margin as on his debut, though connections are already planning a step up in class. The John Porter Stakes has been mentioned as his likely next contest. (BBC)
De Boinville saddened by Sir Gino loss
Nico De Boinville has expressed his sadness at the loss of Sir Gino on Tuesday. De Boinville was his regular jockey in National Hunt racing, including in his Grade 1 wins. He passed on his sympathies to Sir Gino’s owners, the Donnellys, and said that his passing was “truly gutting.” The rider also suggested “he had the world at his feet” before his career was tragically cut short. (Racing Post)
Grand National latest: New tradition introduced as Johnnywho joins McManus squad
A free public event has been introduced to kick off Aintree’s Grand National celebrations. It is entitled “The Grand Reveal” and will be held on Wednesday 8 April, the day before Aintree’s meeting begins. At the event, hosted at the Exchange Flags, fans will enjoy exhibitions on the winners’ enclosure, jockeys’ gym and stables, as well as a free simulator. The event is being targeted at a family audience to get the Grand National underway. (Liverpool Echo)
Joint trainer AJ O’Neill has announced that Johnnywho will be the latest horse to become a member of JP McManus’ Grand National squad. The O’Neills’ charge was a game winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. That day he beat another of the McManus National runners in Jagwar. Johnnywho had the option of the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday too. However, AJ O’Neill has said “the plan is to go to Aintree.” (Racing Post)
Willie Mullins’ assistant David Casey has put forward 2024 hero I Am Maximus as their team’s leading chance this season. Speaking on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast, Casey hinted that “six or seven” Mullins runners would head to Aintree. Of those, I Am Maximus was given as the primary cnadidate, alongside recent Bobbyjo Chase winner Grangeclare West, though defending champion NIck Rockett will also be a part of the line-up. (Sporting Life)