- Constitution Hill set for debut on the Flat at Southwell as part of Friday Night Live card
- Race adds £40,000 value to the new series and will be held on February 20
- Nicky Henderson aims to use the race in preparation for potential Champion Hurdle entry
- SBK-sponsored Class 2 race features horses aged four and above
- Racing Post reports Constitution Hill has only faced hurdles, but is used to crowds
The Perfect Race: Constitution Hill’s Flat Debut at Southwell
Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old horse, Constitution Hill, is set for a significant change in its racing profile as it prepares for a potential return to the Cheltenham Festival. The renowned trainer has expressed his desire to run the seasoned steeplechaser on the Flat before possibly entering him into the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 10.
Friday Night Live Series
The race, which forms part of Southwell’s Friday Night Live card scheduled for February 20, is a new addition to the racing calendar. This initiative by Arena Racing Company (Arc) and Invades aims to attract new audiences with unique experiences such as speed dating, DJ sets, and big prize money. The event will be broadcast on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.
The SBK-sponsored Class 2 race will be a significant highlight of the fixture.
With a value of £40,000 and open to horses aged four and above, it represents the joint-most valuable novice race on all-weather tracks in Britain. Constitution Hill’s participation would mark his first-ever appearance on the Flat since his career began exclusively with hurdles.
Preparation and Expectations
Henderson expressed his excitement about the upcoming race, stating, “It’s the perfect race for him and the timing couldn’t be better. It’s our intention to go and the horse, a jockey, the owner, and trainer will attend. It’ll be great and he’s used to having crowds for his races, so it’ll be good for him.” The horse has only won ten of its 14 starts but has faced hurdles exclusively.
After experiencing heavy falls in three out of its last four races, Constitution Hill was given a short break after coming down at the second flight during the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November.
Adam Baylis, marketing director of SBK, highlighted the importance of supporting British racing: “Supporting British racing is massively important to us at SBK, so when Nicky Henderson spoke about the need for a Flat race with these conditions for Constitution Hill, we took the idea to Arc. We’re delighted to have been able to help make it happen, and it’s a great boost to the Friday Night Live series.”
Friday Night Live Initiative
The Friday Night Live initiative is part of a broader effort by Arc and Invades to bring new audiences into the world of horse racing. Sam Cone, head of communications and public affairs at Arc, noted, “We’re delighted to assist in the delivery of this opportunity, and are grateful to SBK, without whom it would not be possible. The race should certainly add an extra dimension to the Friday Night Live fixture at Southwell on February 20, to those coming along to experience the evening in person as well as those watching at home on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.”
The eight-time Grade 1 winner is a general 14-1 shot for the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the festival. Constitution Hill’s entry will be among many, with applications closing today.
