Constitution Hill’s thrilling comeback has him on course for Champion Hurdle | Constitution Hill

The joy and relief that swirled around Constitution Hill, which extended its undefeated streak to nine games here Thursday, was expressed in many ways. Trainer Nicky Henderson was in tears, the jockeys who had dropped the favorite were jubilant, and winning jockey Nico de Boinville said: criticized the critics. “It was definitely worth the wait,” he told an ITV horse racing reporter shortly after suffering his second career loss to the talented filly Rosiemus. “And one more thing. Paddy Brennan, you can shove it out of the sun.”

In the end, the contest of opinions may have been a bit unnecessary. And the pre-race view of former colleagues in the weighing room that Lossiemus would win was clearly shared by many when she started 11-8. . But it was a clear sign of the pressure that had been building in the weeks leading up to Constitution Hill's delayed return to action, as de Boinville told Henderson after his impressive run in late November. “We're back.”

The drama of Thursday's contest was as much in emotion and significance as the race itself. Lossiemouth never threatened to contain Constitution Hill, who moved and jumped with familiar fluency throughout, after de Boinville jumped penultimate and sent him into the lead.

But it also sparked a fascinating rematch with last season's Champion Hurdle winner Statesman, who was absent from Constitution Hill in the feature race on the opening day of the feature race at Cheltenham in March. , and possibly a rematch with Lossiemus as well. Once the season starts, he suddenly looks like a much more attractive target.

“Three weeks ago, he was working on our gallop on the grass and Nico said, 'I'm back,'” Henderson said. “It was very easy.

“I was very nervous coming here today and he had to put in a great performance. I was prepared for defeat and I know he will be expecting to beat her at Cheltenham. accepted it above [in March] Normal improvement can be expected.

“He's going to be in plenty and we've got to run clean, but he's never looked as good as he has. The last two weeks he's been great.”

Henderson was understandably reluctant to start preparing for Constitution Hill at Cheltenham until he had a chance to see what the results of Thursday's race would be, but the track will take place at the end of January. The International Hurdle at the trial meeting will obviously be a stepping stone. Required.

Constitution Hill trailed at 5-1 in the Champion Hurdle earlier this month, but now has odds of taking back the title at around 8-11, with Statesman at 3-1. At the end, he came from behind to win by nine lengths. The two horses met in the 2022 Champion Hurdle.

Rosimas' jockey Paul Townend later reported that he was “not that comfortable” at any stage of the race, but in a big ray of hope for Willie Mullins' stable jockey, jockey Joseph O'Brien's van It was a strong performance from his regular bridge partner JJ Slevin. His contractual commitments in Ireland made him a natural choice as the main reserve horse for the King George VI chase.

Townend made a brilliant decision to win the race at Banbridge, letting the eight-year-old challenge the leader Ile Est Français at the final fence and sealing the victory with a perfect leg jump.

For much of the race, Ile Est Français was threatening to repeat his overwhelming success in the three-mile New Horse Chase on this card 12 months ago, with the remaining horses still at least four lengths apart. On the turn home, he was tipped to run at Betfair.

“Ile Est Français performed well enough to stay there for a long time,” Townend said. “But it would be an unbelievable performance for him to maintain that speed.

“My hands were tied on the spot, but I thought I had the right hand in front of me, and he [Il Est Francais] It pushed them far out of their comfort zone. I always intended to ride my son home. [late] Anyway, because it was an unknown trip, and luckily we pinged in the end.

“It's a tricky fence. I missed it last year at Arrajo, but it was too close to the line and I couldn't go again. I was conscious of that, and in these races you need luck, and today everything went my way.

“We were disappointed with Rosie Mouse, but we were very lucky to get a ride in Banbridge 30 minutes later. If we had had Rosie Mouse, he would have gone home tonight with his tail between his legs.”

O'Brien, on the other hand, currently holds a unique record with two Derby wins as a jockey, two Melbourne Cup wins on the flats as a trainer, and one King George win in show jumping.

“I've grown up watching races like this since I could walk and talk, so this is really special,” O'Brien said. “It's very special to have runners and to win is a dream come true.”

Galia Des Liteaux can be paid in National Wales

The field for Friday's Coral Wales Grand National is expected to be significantly less attritious than in previous years, but the strongest stayer is still likely to win, with conditions perfect for jockey Dan Skelton's stamina-filled fillies. seems ideal. Gallia de Rito (2.50)brought the garden its first success at Chepstow's flagship event this year.

Galia de Rito has been useful over hurdles, but he has also steadily improved over fences and on marathon expeditions. She ran well over long distances before falling from last place to finish eighth at the Grand National at Aintree in April. At that point, the effort required to make a big push towards the top midway through the second circuit probably started to show.

The eight-year-old was probably better rated in the Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick Racecourse. At this time, she put a lot of weight on herself for a close second place. This is because the journey and the track were very similar to the track that Galia de Rito competed against. On Friday, she returned to the same handicap mark of 142.

Even the 3.5 miles of the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury didn't look good enough last time, but odds of around 6-1 look attractive for her as she returns to serious marathon travel.

Chepstow 1.05 6 year old child Lawry's Bar It's been a great start to his chasing career and his four pound weight gain for the win at Exeter in early December is more than reasonable.

Kempton 1.20 versatile Royale Margaux He has shown improvement by overcoming hurdles in his past two starts, and after having trouble starting at Cheltenham last time, he ran well to come within four lengths of the winner, and is able to race from the same mark here as well. Probably.

Chepstow 1.40 Marcel Roland Nietzsche is Although he was a close second in Grade 1 at Auteuil in November, he has cleared the rating with plenty of time to fall back to Grade 2 Company.

Kempton 1.55 A fascinating showdown between two of the most exciting young novice chasers on either side of the Irish Sea. Barry Burne, last year's Gallagher Novice Hurdle winner at Cheltenham, has made a good start to his chasing career at Punchestown in November, but it is the younger, less exposed competitors who are less favored. Mr. Gino, He set an excellent time in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last time at Newcastle, closing the gap by eight lengths.

Chepstow 2.10 progressive woody flash He had a decent record at Newbury in November, losing only to a handicapped rival.

Kempton 2.30 conditions look ideal boot hill This is to make up for dropping out mid-race when he was the favorite for this race last year.

Kempton 3.08 Benicia Williams' stable continues to be in great form with her win in the revived Rehearsal Chase. Frero Bamboo Here you can add another useful prize to your tally.