bet365 have enhanced Constitution Hill’s odds to finish in the top three ato a best priced EVENS (was 1/3) ahead of his much anticipated Flat debut at Southwell Racecourse on Friday evening.
The two time Cheltenham Festival winner will step into the starting stalls for the first time in his career in the £40,000 SBK Road to Cheltenham Novice Stakes, the feature event on Southwell’s Friday Night Live card. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the nine year old takes on a competitive field as connections look to rebuild confidence after a turbulent spell over hurdles.
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Constitution Hill began his career with 10 straight victories, announcing himself as a generational talent. He captured the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 before producing a breathtaking display to win the Champion Hurdle in 2023. A serious respiratory infection ruled him out of defending his title in 2024, interrupting his momentum at the peak of his powers.
He returned to win twice, including the Christmas Hurdle, but jumping errors have crept in. He has fallen three times in his last four starts over hurdles, most recently at the second flight in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. Those mistakes have prompted a change of plan.
Henderson has opted for the Tapeta surface at Southwell to allow the son of Blue Bresil to rediscover his rhythm without the added test of jumping. The extended 1m4f trip is designed as a confidence building exercise before a possible return to hurdling later in the spring.
Five time Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy takes the ride, replacing regular partner Nico de Boinville. The race carries £21,600 to the winner and has drawn interest from both sides of the Irish Sea. Willie Mullins sends Daddy Long Legs, ridden by Ryan Moore, while Square Necker is also prominent in the market.
This outing could shape plans for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, where Constitution Hill has shortened to 4/1 in the Champion Hurdle betting as he bids to regain his crown in March. A smooth and assured performance on Friday would go a long way towards restoring belief that the former champion can return to the very top.
