Constitution Hill’s Southwell Detour: A Champion Reinvents Himself

When Constitution Hill trots out at Southwell on Friday evening in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes (7.30, 1m4f), it will mark one of the most curious chapters in British racing for years: a horse celebrated as one of the greatest hurdlers of the modern era attempting to recharge his career on the all-weather.
Trained with customary meticulousness by Nicky Henderson, the nine-year-old gelding has won eight Grade 1 hurdles, including the 2023 Champion Hurdle, where he carried off the sport’s blue riband with an authority rarely seen at Prestbury Park.

Yet his recent National Hunt form has been less convincing, with three falls in his last four starts raising hard questions about confidence and rhythm. Rather than risk further setbacks before Cheltenham, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley have opted for this All-Weather assignment, a tactical move that will allow Constitution Hill to reacquaint himself with competitive action under champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy.

The Line-Up: Who Stands Between Him and Victory

Constitution Hill heads a field of fourteen - a blend of fledgling Flat professionals and established all-weather campaigners.

Square Necker
Trainer: Kevin Philippart de Foy

Jockey: David Egan
A consistent performer on synthetic surfaces, Square Necker has posted respectable marks on the Flat and is regarded as one of the more credible challengers. His form suggests tactical acumen and a level of experience Constitution Hill must respect.

Daddy Long Legs
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Jockey: Ryan Moore
Ireland’s perennial champion trainer Mullins makes an early strategic play here. With Ryan Moore booked, Daddy Long Legs represents seasoned Flat sophistication. Although better known over obstacles, his prior performances indicate a useful turn of foot on level ground.

Gambino
Trainer: Dan Skelton

Jockey: Hollie Doyle
A solid all-weather operator, Gambino brings consistency and the services of one of the sport’s most assured riders in Doyle. He’s not without place claims and will relish the gallop’s elevation.

Tripoli Flyer
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien

Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Troublesome over hurdles, but Tripoli Flyer has shown ample pace in staying handicaps and could exploit any hesitation from the main protagonists.

Other Notables

Mr McLoughlan (Jack Jones/Hector Crouch): in form over obstacles with potential to translate that to the Flat.

Nardaran (Paul Nicholls/Cieren Fallon): useful on both codes and a live outsider.

Roadlesstravelled, Star Artist, Noble Way and the rest fill out a deep and various line-up that ensures this novice contest is far from a procession.

Tactics, Expectations and the Bigger Picture

Although Constitution Hill is installed as the market favourite - a reflection of his raw ability - there is a sharp difference between winning over obstacles and mastering a flat gallop. His wide draw and relative inexperience on an all-weather surface give rivals such as Square Necker and Daddy Long Legs every chance to unsettle the favourite’s rhythm.

Henderson’s deft handling and Murphy’s astute positioning will be crucial. A smooth, poised ride could see Constitution Hill assert his natural class over 1m4f, but early leaders with race fitness and tactical maturity may take full advantage if he is short of top-end speed.

For the connections, and for racing as a whole, this contest is not merely about the result. It is a statement that even the sport’s brightest hurdling lights can find renewal — or at least purpose — in a discipline that demands a different sort of precision. Whether this is a stopgap on the road back to Champion Hurdle glory, or the start of a new trajectory, Friday’s race will offer the first significant clue.