Henderson delighted to have Southwell opportunity for Constitution Hill

Nicky Henderson says he has yet to think about who will partner Constitution Hill at Southwell on February 20 – but is not expecting to be short of offers for his superstar’s Flat debut.

News emerged on Tuesday morning that a new £40,000 novice event over a mile and a half had been added to the all-weather card which is part of the new Friday Night Live series.

It will be the joint most valuable novice event ever run on the all-weather and will be sponsored by SBK bookmakers.

The former champion has been in limbo since falling for the third time in four outings on his return to action in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November, with Henderson keen to find a race in which to run him on the level.

Now his prayers have been answered and the eight-year-old will add a real touch of stardust to the meeting.

“We haven’t thought about a jockey yet, but I’m sure there are some good jockeys around who might like to ride him,” Henderson told the Press Association.

“It’s fantastic they’ve put the race on because we have been looking everywhere for a race for him. Obviously he’s an eight-year-old, but this one is going to be for four-year-olds and upwards.

“For him there weren’t any races over far enough but this, over a mile and a half, is perfect so we’ll be there.

“The timing is excellent from our point of view and it’s a very good prize, so I imagine it will attract quite a lot of people.”

He added: “We had My Tent Or Yours run in a ‘jumpers’ bumper’ one year I remember and he nearly won the Champion that year so it’s not totally unique (running on the Flat and then Champion Hurdle).”

Sam Cone, head of communications and public affairs at Arena Racing Company, owners of Southwell, said: “We are delighted to assist in the delivery of this opportunity and are grateful to SBK, without whom it would not be possible.

“The race should certainly add an extra dimension to the Friday Night Live fixture at Southwell on February 20, to those coming along to experience the evening in person as well as those watching at home on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.”

Adam Baylis, marketing director of SBK said: “Supporting British racing is massively important to us at SBK, so when Nicky Henderson spoke about the need for a Flat race with these conditions for Constitution Hill, we took the idea to ARC. We’re delighted to have been able to help make it happen and it’s a great boost to the Friday Night Live series.”