Nicky Henderson: Constitution Hill Southwell ballot concern | Luck On Sunday | Racing TV

Описание: Constitution Hill is not guaranteed a run in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell on Friday night following a random ballot on Sunday.

Nicky Henderson’s 2023 Champion Hurdle winner is scheduled to make his Flat debut on the Nottinghamshire track’s Friday Night Live card, having fallen in three of his last four starts over obstacles.

The nine-year-old was one of 32 entries for the £40,000 contest, although it later transpired Thankyou Baroness does not qualify, and the maximum field for the race will either be 12 or 14 depending on available stabling capacity and whether other races on the card divide.

With a ballot number of 16, Constitution Hill needs two of those ahead of him in the elimination sequence not to be declared to get into a field of 14, or four if the race is capped at 12 runners.

Henderson said on Saturday there was “no plan B or plan C” for his Seven Barrows superstar – and speaking on Racing TV’s Luck on Sunday programme ahead of the ballot, he was again hoping Constitution Hill would make the cut.

He said: “We hatched this plan some time ago and it would be a serious backfire if he didn’t get in – I’d be lost as to what we’re going to do next.

“We’ll cross that bridge (when we come to it). The whole thing has been terrific and fair play to Martin Cruddace and ARC (Arena Racing Company) for going ahead with it, but at the same time it would be very sad for us and them if it didn’t come off.

“It’s created a lot of interest, which I can only think is good for the game. It involves a lot of talking and games, but on the other hand, the day that these things don’t get you excited is probably the day to give it up anyway.

“We’re very lucky that we’ve got these horses that create a lot of public interest and I’ve got to say I love it.”

Constitution Hill remains in the mix for the Unibet Champion Hurdle on the opening day of next month’s Cheltenham Festival and Henderson has been keeping his training routine varied.

He added: “He’s been jumping and he’s probably confused.com – one morning it’s starting stalls and the next day it’s hurdles!

“He’s having a lovely time, it’s kept him amused and he worked on Saturday and was great.”

Must-see compilations and best bits ➡️ http://y2u.be/Kfl2CXtG6xA
Greatest Hits! Some of our most amazing action ➡️ http://y2u.be/AfNpAewK4m4
Feature-length documentaries for racing lovers ➡️ http://y2u.be/xIprr1hNCeA
Thrills, spills and funnies! ➡️ http://y2u.be/AHqOQUnNhXo
Racing Greats ➡️ http://y2u.be/74MKoH7TLIE
All the best Group One and Grade One action ➡️ http://y2u.be/mOq9ZgMn_ME

Welcome to the official YouTube channel of Racing TV, the UK's leading horse racing channel showing live racing from the best racecourses in Great Britain and Ireland.

Subscribe to Racing TV's free YouTube channel and get closer to the sport we all love. If you want to watch unmissable moments from the world of racing and exclusive interviews and highlights from our specialist shows then this is the place for you! https://bit.ly/2RHbyMa

You can also find us on Sky 424 or Virgin Media 536 (411 in Ireland): https://t.co/xkJ0xBrDcm

Also watch Racing TV at racingtv.com and via our iPhone, iPad and Android apps: https://t.co/CwcklwUMHs