Trainer Voices Discontent Over Prize Fund Increase for Star Horse's Debut
Prominent trainer Charlie Johnston has expressed significant dissatisfaction with a substantial prize money increase for a race featuring the celebrated hurdler Constitution Hill, suggesting he might enter a horse to compete against him. The criticism centres on perceived inequities in funding within all-weather racing circuits.
Substantial Financial Boost for High-Profile Event
The SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, scheduled for Friday at Southwell racecourse, has undergone a notable transformation. Originally part of a different Southwell fixture, the race was moved forward and its prize fund augmented by £40,000. This injection elevates it to become the joint most valuable British novice race ever contested on an all-weather surface.
This financial enhancement coincides with the anticipated Flat debut of Constitution Hill, the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner. The horse, trained by Nicky Henderson, is switching to level racing following several falls over jumps. The event forms a key part of the Friday Night Live fixture, specifically designed to attract a younger demographic to the sport.
Johnston's Public Critique of Funding Priorities
In his monthly publication, The Kingsley Klarion, Charlie Johnston articulated his frustration. He acknowledged public fascination with Constitution Hill's potential performance but questioned the strategic value of the race as a guide for future hurdling campaigns.
"What annoys me, however," Johnston wrote, "is that trainers who support racing on the all-weather circuit throughout the winter have to watch their horses compete for derisory prize-money on a daily basis, yet the prospect of including Constitution Hill has seen the race brought forward and, remarkably, the addition of £40,000 in prize-money." He concluded his remarks bluntly: "I'm not impressed."
Johnston's potential challenger is Tide Lines, an unraced daughter of Sea The Moon, among 32 entries for the 1 mile 4 furlong contest. The race permits a maximum field of 14 runners, with other notable entries from stables including those of Willie Mullins, Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, and Fergal O'Brien.
Jockey Arrangements and Broader Racing Context
Oisin Murphy, the five-time champion jockey, has been booked to ride Constitution Hill. However, his availability may be influenced by commitments to his regular employer, Andrew Balding, who has entered the highest-rated horse in the list, Jupiter Ammon.
Constitution Hill remains a 4-1 contender with William Hill for the upcoming Champion Hurdle, though Henderson has yet to finalise participation plans. The Southwell event is expected to draw an audience of approximately 2,000 spectators.
Johnston's comments highlight a persistent tension within the sport regarding resource allocation, contrasting the significant investment in high-profile events with the routine funding challenges faced by participants in daily all-weather racing programmes.
