SOUTHWELL — In a stunning turn of events that has left the “I told you so” brigade frantically deleting their social media drafts, Constitution Hill has successfully completed a race without gravity intervening.
For months, the “Hurdle-Haters” and “Gravity Enthusiasts” argued that Nicky Henderson’s superstar had developed a fatal attraction to the turf, citing three falls in his last four starts. Critics suggested he was less of a racehorse and more of a professional stuntman, claiming his 175-rated engine was now only capable of firing him directly into the nearest birch obstacle.
However, Friday night at Southwell proved that when you simply remove the things he has to jump over, he remains quite fast.
The Great “Flat” Debate
The doubters, led by the fictional Association of Paddock Pessimists, had spent the week predicting everything from a refusal at the starting stalls to the horse accidentally tripping over a shadow. Instead, Constitution Hill, piloted by Oisin Murphy, treated the Southwell sand like his own personal treadmill, winning his Flat debut by a casual nine-and-a-half lengths.
“I always knew he could do it,” said one local punter, hiding a betting slip for the rival horse Square Necker. “If you remove the hurdles, the falls, and the Irish competition, he’s basically unbeatable.”
What’s Next: The Million-Dollar Dilemma
Despite the dominant win, the “Hill” has left the racing world in a state of existential dread. Henderson and owner Michael Buckley now face a choice that would make a philosopher sweat:
• The Heart Strategy: A return to Cheltenham in March to reclaim the Champion Hurdle crown. The risk? One misplaced hoof could send the “Doubters” back into a frenzy.
• The Head Strategy: Abandon the jumping game entirely for a Flat campaign. With a provisional rating of 106P (and the potential to reach 120+), he could theoretically trade mud and hurdles for the glamour of Group 1 middle-distance races.
A final decision on his Cheltenham participation is expected by the end of this week. For now, he remains the only horse in history capable of being a “comeback kid” while still being rated 170 over jumps.
Peter Scudamore. While Bowen took the spoils in that head-to-head, Scudamore’s yard had the last laugh of the day, securing the 16:30 finale with Jardin De Tunis. Two legends of the double-century mark, proving that at Ayr, the standard is always world-class. #racingtv at Ayr February 2026
Jockey of the Week: Sean Bowen’s Double Century
While Constitution Hill was busy proving he can run in a straight line, Sean Bowen was busy making history.
Bowen has officially been named Jockey of the Week after reaching the monumental 200-winner milestone for the season. The 28-year-old Welshman achieved the feat at his home track, Ffos Las, on Friday aboard the Olly Murphy-trained Harbour Island.
The Elite 200 Club:
By hitting the double century, Bowen joins a rarefied air of riding legends:
• Sir Anthony McCoy
• Peter Scudamore
• Richard Johnson
• Brian Hughes
• Sean Bowen (2026)
With William Hill already paying out early on him retaining his Jockeys’ Title, Bowen is now setting his sights on AP McCoy’s all-time record of 289. At his current rate of roughly one winner for every four rides, the record books might need a new pen.
Southwell today
The Big Nap: Mehmas Engine (19:00) is the standout choice. Newcomers from this yard often attract market support, and the Timeform “Hint” suggests following the money if it arrives.
- The Next Best (NB): American Rose (16:25). She holds the highest “Adjusted Timeform Rating” in the field and is considered a very safe each-way or win selection for the early evening.
- The Dark Horse: Panama Black (15:55). Despite the long layoff before his last run, his performance at Wolverhampton suggested he is ahead of his current mark of 75.
Link to my new store: https://silksandshenanigans.myshopify.com
18+ only. Betting involves risk and losses are inevitable. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose and do not view betting as a way to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes a concern, seek help.
Silks and Shenanigans 