An increase in stable capacity at Southwell has raised the field limit for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes to 14 runners. This adjustment means Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill now needs just two horses to withdraw to secure a spot in his intended Flat debut. The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner aims to boost confidence after recent falls over jumps.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) approved a proposal from Southwell racecourse to add two extra stable boxes for Friday's fixture, boosting total stabling from 108 to 110. As a result, the maximum field size for the Class 2 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes increased from 12 to 14, ensuring up to 14 runners can participate following Wednesday's declarations.
Tom Byrne, BHA’s Head of Racing and Betting, explained: "This means that the stabling capacity for the fixture has increased from 108 to 110, and as a result the field size limit for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes is up to 14 from 12. This will now guarantee that a maximum of 14 runners will get into the race following Wednesday’s declarations."
He added that the extra capacity was allocated to this race due to high demand and its priority in the sequence. No existing entries are affected, and any further availability could benefit a Class 3 Handicap up to 14 runners.
Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, finished outside the initial top 14 in Sunday's random ballot. The horse, who won the 2023 Unibet Champion Hurdle, has fallen in three of his last four starts over obstacles, including the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this season. Henderson described the planned run as a confidence-boosting mission on the Flat.
Trainer Nicky Henderson told Luck On Sunday on Racing TV: "I don’t dare think about it. We hatched this plan some time ago and it would be a serious back-fire if he didn’t get in, I must admit, because I’d be lost for what we’re going to do next. But we’ll cross that bridge, we just hope he gets in."
He praised the initiative by Southwell and Arena Racing Company (ARC) for generating interest, noting: "The whole thing’s been terrific and fair play to Martin Cruddace (Chief Executive) and ARC for going ahead with it, but at the same time it’d be very sad for us - and them - if it didn’t come off."
Horses guaranteed a place include Gambino, Square, Necker, Daddy Long Legs, and others up to Roadlesstravelled. The order of elimination from the ballot lists Constitution Hill near the end, ahead of Miracles Do Happen.
