Imagine the excitement of seeing a champion hurdler like Constitution Hill take on a flat race, only to realize his spot isn’t guaranteed. That’s the nail-biting reality facing his team right now. After a string of setbacks over hurdles, including three falls in his last four starts, the 2023 Unibet Champion Hurdle winner is slated for a confidence-boosting flat run at Southwell’s Friday Night Live on February 20. But here’s where it gets tricky: the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, a 12-furlong race with a maximum field of 14, has been oversubscribed with 31 eligible entries. And this is the part most people miss—Constitution Hill is currently 16th on the elimination list, meaning he needs at least two, possibly four, other horses to withdraw to secure his place.
Trained by Nicky Henderson and set to be ridden by Oisin Murphy, Constitution Hill was the odds-on favorite with bookmakers like Paddy Power and Sky Bet when entries closed. However, British Horseracing Authority rules prioritize horses with limited flat race experience and recent placings, leaving Constitution Hill in a precarious position. The elimination process, determined by a random draw, adds another layer of uncertainty.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the race technically allows 14 runners, stabling capacity and other factors could reduce that number to 12. This means Constitution Hill’s fate hangs in the balance, with Henderson admitting, ‘I don’t dare think about it… it would be a serious backfire if he didn’t get in.’
The race has already generated significant interest, thanks to Constitution Hill’s star power and the efforts of Martin Cruddace and ARC. Yet, the possibility of him missing out feels like a missed opportunity for both fans and the sport. ‘It’s created a lot of interest, which I can only think is good for the game,’ Henderson noted.
So, here’s the burning question: Should priority rules be reevaluated to accommodate star horses like Constitution Hill, or is the current system fair in maintaining a level playing field? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s declaration stage, where Constitution Hill’s fate will be decided. Will he make the cut, or will this ambitious plan fall short? Only time will tell.
Horses Guaranteed a Place:
Gambino, Square Necker, Daddy Long Legs, Mr McLoughlan, Nardaran, Secret Squirrel, Star Artist, Tripoli Flyer, John Galt, Masked Mistress, Tide Lines, Summer Appeal.
Order of Elimination:
1. Qaaeadd
2. The Sweet Escape
3. Saviour
4. Pulsar Star
5. Don Simon
6. Jupiter Ammon
7. Minella Rescue
8. King Of The Road
9. Calypso Bloom
10. Newtown Rambler
11. The Kemble Brewery
12. Cribbins
13. GrazeonSunshine
14. Tres Bien
15. Here Comes Georgie
16. Constitution Hill
17. Miracles Do Happen
18. Noble Way
19. Roadlesstravelled.
