Kempton Hosts Constitution Hill vs Lossiemouth at St Stephen

Kempton Park is preparing for one of the biggest days in National Hunt racing with St Stephen’s Day forming up to be a key event in the calendar. As Ireland’s busiest day for racing, many of the country’s top jockeys will make their way to Kempton, where Rachael Blackmore and Paul Townend will compete for glory in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. However, the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle is drawing significant attention, particularly with the exciting match-up between Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth.

It is a Christmas Hurdle for many, a test very important for Constitution Hill that has remained undefeated in its eight starts and is already one of the highest-rated hurdlers of all time. His last race was last season at Kempton when he produced a commanding performance to boost his reputation as one of the best horses in the sport. Since then the Constitution Hill has hardly made public appearances, which has led to speculation over his current form.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has been quite vocal about his frustration with the uncertainty that now surrounds Constitution Hill. With the horse under watchful eyes for its return to competition, the Christmas Hurdle presents an opportunity to see if the 7-year-old can pick up where it left off. There isn’t any doubt about Constitution Hill’s natural ability; the only hindrance is that recently, nothing has been run in which one can measure up.

The upcoming clash with Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth adds an extra layer of intrigue. Lossiemouth, a mare who has only been beaten once over hurdles, has shown impressive form, with her Hatton’s Grace win at Fairyhouse earlier this month putting her in contention for Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle. If she can defeat Constitution Hill, she will solidify her standing as one of the season’s leading contenders. Mullins has a strong history with the Christmas Hurdle, having won the race with Faugheen a decade ago, and Lossiemouth looks ready to put up a serious challenge.

The horse racing forecast is expected to be a tight contest, with Constitution Hill’s class facing off against Lossiemouth’s rising reputation.

Lossiemouth has quickly become one of the most talked-about horses in training. Her performances in Ireland, especially her dominant victory in the Hatton’s Grace, have earned her widespread praise. Although she will face a challenge from Constitution Hill, she is well-equipped to make the contest exciting. With her 7lb sex allowance, Lossiemouth is in a strong position to give the British champion a tough race. While Constitution Hill has proven his superiority in the past, the circumstances surrounding his return make this race particularly unpredictable.

Lossiemouth’s rise is notable, as she continues to build on her impressive record. Her ability to maintain strong form and face the best opposition gives her a solid chance to upset Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle. If she can manage a victory, she will not only enhance her chances for the Champion Hurdle but also establish herself as one of the top horses in the division.

It’s that time of year when everybody’s been putting out their best show under the Christmas Hurdle. But you could say, equally exciting will be the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. That single race has all the makings of becoming one of the most open in recent memory, with all comers ready to take a shot at the prize. Along with last year’s winners such as Bravemansgame, L’Homme Presse, and some other big names, a whole lot of horses will look towards snatching the prize. These horses include Grey Dawning and The Real Whacker and Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, runner-up in Betfair Chase. The race is so open that it makes this one event of the top-tier events on the calendar for fans and punters alike.

The horse racing forecast predicts balanced track conditions, with misty weather unlikely to significantly affect the race.

The St Stephen’s Day card at Kempton promises to be one of the most exciting racing days of the season. With the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase and the Christmas Hurdle featuring some of the best horses in the sport, there is no shortage of compelling action to look forward to. The combination of top-class horses and competitive fields ensures that Kempton will be the place to be for National Hunt fans this Christmas.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford summed up the excitement, stating that it’s “a phenomenal card to look forward to.” With high-quality races throughout the day including the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, it promises to be an unforgettable event. Fans are eagerly awaiting the races, and the stage is set for a day of exciting competition at Kempton.