A controversy has arisen over whether Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill will be allowed to run in a special novice event at Southwell on Friday, due to the risk of being balloted out under standard racing rules. The race, enhanced with £40,000 in prize money, appears tailored for the former Champion Hurdle winner, but the British Horse Racing Authority insists on fair competition for all eligible horses. Racing pundit Matt Chapman argues for an exception to guarantee the horse's participation.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has defended its decision not to guarantee a spot for Constitution Hill in an upcoming 1m4f novice event at Southwell, amid concerns that the horse could be excluded if the race is oversubscribed. The event, scheduled for Friday, was originally programmed but moved earlier to feature on an ITV broadcast, with prize money boosted to £40,000 by Arena Racing Company (ARC) to attract interest, particularly around the star horse.
Matt Chapman, in his column, expressed frustration with the situation, describing it as 'Constitution Hillgate.' He noted that the race seems designed specifically for Constitution Hill, the former Champion Hurdle hero trained by Nicky Henderson. Chapman observed the seven-year-old looking in good form during a recent gallop at Seven Barrows and while paddling in a flooded field. He suggested that other trainers would not object to the horse being automatically included, allowing up to 11 or 13 challengers to compete for the prize.
A BHA spokesman explained the authority's position: 'This is a race which already existed in the race programme. The only change is that it was moved a few days earlier to be part of the ITV card owing to the likely public interest, and enhanced prize money provided as proposed by ARC. Any race is open to all eligible horses, and the rules of racing clearly lay out the eligibility of such horses and how over-subscribed races will be dealt with. The principles of fair competition and the importance of upholding the integrity of the sport would not allow us to guarantee any horse a spot in any race at the expense of another horse.'
Chapman acknowledged the rules' reasonableness but advocated for flexibility in exceptional cases to promote the sport's growth. He emphasized that such entrepreneurial planning should include safeguards for the main attraction, ensuring broad participation without compromising the event's appeal.
