In the world of National Hunt racing, we are used to Nicky Henderson playing the role of the master chess player. But as we approach the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, even the “Master of Seven Barrows” is finding himself in a bit of a squeeze. The latest gambit? Taking the most talented hurdler of a generation, Constitution Hill, to the all-weather tracks of Southwell.
A Gravity-Defying Dilemma
It is no secret that Constitution Hill has had a bit of an “up and down” relationship with his obstacles lately, emphasis on the down. Having fallen in three of his last four starts over hurdles, including a dramatic exit in the Fighting Fifth, the superstar has left fans and his trainer with more than a few gray hairs.
Henderson’s logic is as sound as it is unusual: if the horse is finding the hurdles a bit too complicated, why not remove them entirely? The plan to run in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes this Friday is a tactical “confidence-booster.” By switching to the Flat for a 1.5-mile sprint, the goal is to remind Constitution Hill that he is, in fact, a very fast horse who doesn’t necessarily need to introduce his nose to the turf every time he accelerates.
The Great Ballot Battle
However, the road to Southwell has proven as tricky as a Cheltenham cross-country course. Due to a random ballot on Sunday, Constitution Hill found himself 16th on the list for a race originally capped at 12 or 14 runners.
But never underestimate the power of a “Seven Barrows SOS.” In a move that shows just how much the racing world wants to see this horse back on track:
• The BHA approved a plan to increase Southwell’s stabling capacity.
• Two extra boxes were found, bumping the field limit to 14.
• With some timely withdrawals (including Hughie Morrison’s Secret Squirrel), the path is clearing for the 4-6 favorite to actually make the line-up.
The Henderson Magic
It takes a trainer of Nicky Henderson’s stature to even attempt a pivot this bold. With over 75 Cheltenham Festival winners to his name—second only to Willie Mullins, Henderson has spent decades turning “problem” superstars like Sprinter Sacre and Altior back into champions.
Henderson himself admitted that the horse might be “confused.com”—one morning it’s starting stalls, the next it’s hurdles. Yet, his ability to block out the noise and prioritize the horse’s psyche is what makes him a legend. He isn’t just training a horse; he’s managing a fragile, high-speed ego.
If all goes to plan at Southwell, we might just see the “machine-like fluency” return in time for the Champion Hurdle in March. For now, we wait for Wednesday’s final declarations with bated breath and hope the only thing Constitution Hill hits on Friday is the back of the net.
Here is your data sheet for tomorrow’s racing at Newbury, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Newbury Racecourse: Tuesday, Feb 17
• Fixture Type: Jumps (National Hunt)
• Going: Heavy (Soft in places on Chase course)
• GoingStick: Chase 3.7 / Hurdle 2.9
• Weather: Overcast with localized showers likely.
Top Trainers & Jockeys Tomorrow
• Trainer to Follow: Paul Nicholls (Strong strike rate at Newbury, sending the short-priced Quebecois).
• Jockey to Follow: Harry Skelton (Riding for Dan Skelton in multiple races including Major Fortune and Giantsgrave).
Best Bets (Newbury)
Top Rated (Weight-Adjusted): Major Fortune (15:55 Newbury) currently holds one of the highest adjusted ratings for the day, sitting several pounds clear of his nearest rival on Timeform’s private scale.
• The “Improver” Alert: Robber’s Bridge (16:30 Newbury) is flagged as a likely improver given recent sectionals and trainer form
MarketRasen: Keep an eye on Khrisma (14:00). She is flagged as a “Hot Trainer” selection for Nicky Henderson, who has a strong record when sending mares to this track.
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Silks and Shenanigans 