Monday’s racing round-up includes the news of a positive report on star hurdler Constitution Hill…
Nicky Henderson produced a positive report on National Hunt's star hurdler Constitution Hill after he completed a racecourse gallop at Newbury this morning. Constitution Hill hasn't been seen in competitive action since winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day last year after a respiratory issue ruled him out of his attempt to defend his Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival. The seven-year-old, who was hospitalised with suspected colic in the spring, is on course to make his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 30th.
Bravemansgame and Gerri Colombe could clash in Saturday's bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby after both star chasers featured in the thirteen entries on Monday. The Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame landed the prize impressively on his reappearance in 2022 before finding Irish raider Gentlemansgame too good on his return last year. Gordon Elliott's Gold Cup runner-up and Aintree Bowl winner Gerri Colombe also features at the five-day entry stage, although he looks more likely to defend his crown in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal. Dan Skelton's exciting chaser Grey Dawning looks the pick of the home contingent.
Envoi Allen looks set to return to action in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday. The Henry de Bromhead-trained ten-year-old won the contest in 2022 before being denied a neck by Gordon Elliott's Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe twelve months ago. Henry de Bromhead was also responsible for two winners at Wexford on Monday, with Heart Wood and Inthepocket both successful over fences.
The Fergal O'Brien-trained Crambo is ready to return to action in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury next month in the hope of setting up a defence of his Long Walk Hurdle crown at Ascot in December. Crambo ensured O'Brien enjoyed his second Grade 1 victory as a trainer when denying fan-favourite Paisley Park at Ascot last season, before disappointing efforts in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree a month later.
Apprentice jockey Matthew Lloyd Slater has been banned 28 days after failing to ride out to the finish at Leicester on Monday. Slater, who was having just the tenth ride of his career, eased up on the well-backed 7/4 favourite Blufferonthebuss in the seven-furlong claimer after the pair looked to have an unassailable lead. Slater did renew his effort in the final few strides, but Blufferonthebuss was unable to get on terms with Night Over Egypt, who went on to land the spoils at 6/1.
