Constitution Hill could set himself up for the Champion Hurdle in a new £40,000 1.5-mile novice contest on February 20 on the flats at Southwell.
The former champion has been stalled since falling for the third time in four races on his return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November.
Trainer Nicky Henderson wanted to give him confidence-boosting runs on flat ground, but was having trouble finding suitable options.
On Monday, Henderson told Sky Sports Racing that “plans are in the works” and suggested changes to the facilities could be on the cards.
A new race, part of the Friday Night Live series, has been added to the card and meets the standards required to run Constitution Hill. The race will be the most valuable all-weather novice race ever run and will be sponsored by SBK bookmakers.
Sam Cohn, director of communications and communications for Southwell’s owner, Arena Racing Company, said: “We are delighted to be able to help provide this opportunity and are grateful to SBK, without whom this would not have been possible.”
Constitution Hill and Nicky Henderson at home at Seven Burrows
“This race should add an extra dimension to Friday Night Live at Southwell on February 20th, not only for those attending to experience the night firsthand, but also for those watching from home on ITV Racing or Sky Sports Racing.”
SBK Marketing Director Adam Bayliss said: “Supporting British horse racing is very important to us at SBK, so when Nicky Henderson spoke to us about the need for a flat race in these conditions at Constitution Hill, we took the idea to ARC. We’re delighted to be able to help make it happen and it’s a huge boost for the Friday Night Live series.”
