Constitution Hill Wins Flat Race Debut at Southwell After Ballot Scare

Constitution Hill, a top hurdler, won his first flat race at Southwell on Friday, February 16, 2024. This is a change from his usual hurdles races.
By Newsroom | Horse Racing, UK |

The highly anticipated Flat racing debut of Constitution Hill, a renowned National Hunt performer, at Southwell Racecourse on Friday evening has been confirmed, concluding a period of significant anticipation and logistical challenges. The horse, a previous Champion Hurdle winner, started as a slight favorite in the betting for the 1m4f novice contest, ultimately justifying this status by winning the race. This event marks a notable shift in strategy for the horse, whose National Hunt career has recently been impacted by falls.

BREAKING: Constitution Hill race result at Southwell confirmed after making Flat debut - 1

A Risky Maneuver for a Champion

Constitution Hill, a horse previously celebrated for his hurdling prowess, faced a period of diminished form, marked by falls in three of his last four starts. This included a fall when considered a favorite for the Champion Hurdle. The decision by trainer Nicky Henderson to enter him in a Flat race at Southwell was presented as a tactical move. The aim was to help the horse regain confidence and rhythm by competing on a different racing surface, away from the potential hazards of hurdles. This switch occurred less than a month before the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, raising questions about the timing and strategic implications.

Read More: Constitution Hill's flat race debut at Southwell sparks debate on horse's career strategy

BREAKING: Constitution Hill race result at Southwell confirmed after making Flat debut - 2

The Ballot Box Uncertainty

The path to Constitution Hill's Flat debut was not straightforward, complicated by a balloting process designed to manage oversubscribed races. The SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell attracted a large entry of 32 horses. As a result, Constitution Hill was not guaranteed a starting position, being ranked 16th in the elimination order.

BREAKING: Constitution Hill race result at Southwell confirmed after making Flat debut - 3

  • The field limit was set at 14 runners.

  • Constitution Hill required at least four horses ranked higher than him in the ballot to be withdrawn.

  • Trainer Nicky Henderson expressed concerns, describing the situation as a potential "serious backfire" and "very sad" if the horse missed his planned debut.

Confirmation After Declarations

The anxious wait for confirmation of Constitution Hill's participation concluded on Wednesday, ahead of the race.

BREAKING: Constitution Hill race result at Southwell confirmed after making Flat debut - 4

  • By the close of declarations, four horses listed above Constitution Hill in the ballot had not been declared.

  • This opened the door for Constitution Hill to make the final field of 14 runners.

  • The horse was subsequently confirmed to participate, with jockey Oisin Murphy booked to ride.

Race Day and Outcome

On Friday evening, Constitution Hill ran in the 7.30pm 1m4f race at Southwell.

  • He was priced by bookmakers as a slight favorite.

  • The horse secured a win in his Flat racing debut.

  • Jockey Oisin Murphy described the experience as "a joy to ride."

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

The decision to enter Constitution Hill on the Flat drew attention from various figures within the racing community. Trainer Nicky Henderson voiced his anxieties regarding the ballot and the potential disappointment of missing the debut. Jockey Oisin Murphy, who has a successful track record, was chosen to ride, suggesting confidence from the connections in Constitution Hill's Flat racing potential. The race also saw competition from other notable entries, including Willie Mullins' horse Daddy Long Legs, who was also among the betting contenders.

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Broader Implications and Next Steps

Constitution Hill's victory on his Flat debut provides a positive outcome after a period of doubt regarding his participation. This success could influence future race planning for the horse.

  • The win may serve to rebuild confidence following a series of setbacks over hurdles.

  • The tactical shift to Flat racing and its immediate positive result will likely be evaluated by his connections in the context of his overall racing career, including potential future engagements at Cheltenham.

  • Further analysis of his performance on the Flat will be necessary to ascertain if this remains a viable strategic path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Constitution Hill race at Southwell on Friday, February 16, 2024?
Yes, Constitution Hill made his flat racing debut at Southwell Racecourse on Friday evening, February 16, 2024. He was entered in a 1m4f novice contest.
Q: Did Constitution Hill win his flat race debut at Southwell?
Yes, Constitution Hill won his flat racing debut at Southwell on Friday, February 16, 2024. He started as a slight favorite and justified this position.
Q: Was there any problem with Constitution Hill running at Southwell?
Yes, there was uncertainty about Constitution Hill's participation because of a ballot system for the race. He was ranked 16th in the elimination order, and only 14 horses could run.
Q: How did Constitution Hill get into the race at Southwell?
Constitution Hill was able to run because four horses ranked higher than him in the ballot were not declared for the race by the deadline. This allowed him to make the final field of 14 runners.
Q: Who rode Constitution Hill in his flat race debut?
Jockey Oisin Murphy rode Constitution Hill in his flat racing debut at Southwell on Friday, February 16, 2024. Murphy described the ride as 'a joy'.