Riders at the ready for Constitution Hill at Southwell
COMING UP THE HILL: Nicky Henderson has given his clearest indication yet that Constitution Hill's next competitive appearance will be in a Flat race. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.
Nicky Henderson will be sifting through the plethora of applications he has received from Flat jockeys, as Constitution Hill is poised to step up his preparations next week ahead of his eagerly-awaited Southwell outing.
Henderson has yet to name a rider for his former champion hurdler's first outing on the level on the evening of February 20, and more pressing will be a continuation of the stalls practice that has already begun and will ramp up over the next seven days.
Henderson said: "He's had a look (at the stalls) and we'll continue next week. We're going to put him through the stalls properly then and he knows what's happening.
"It's a very straightforward process and it takes longer to teach a horse to jump than it does to go in and out of starting stalls.
"I haven't discussed who will ride him yet, but I've had a few applications. We need to work out who's available and who might be abroad and it's one to work out another day."
Constitution Hill is sure to prove star attraction at the Nottinghamshire track when he takes part in a mile-and-a-half novice event on their Friday Night Live card next month, with Henderson still eyeing a Champion Hurdle tilt at the Cheltenham Festival.
