Ascot primed for blockbuster day as rain paves way for Constitution Hill return

Ascot's director of racing Nick Smith expressed his excitement about Saturday's potential blockbuster card after rain at the track paved the way for Constitution Hill to make his comeback in the Coral Hurdle (2.40).

The ground description at Ascot was changed to good to soft (from good to soft, good in places) on Wednesday morning following overnight rain, which led to trainer Nicky Henderson giving last season's sensational Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Constitution Hill the go-ahead for Saturday's race.

Smith is delighted with the strength throughout the seven-race fixture, which could also feature the return of Brown Advisory winner L'Homme Presse in the Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2.05) and Arkle hero Edwardstone in the Jim Barry Wines Hurst Park Handicap Chase (3.15).

"It's going to be a brilliant card and it's good to have the star names being aimed at the races," he said. "You look at the prize-money very carefully and make sure you make it worth their while, and it's good when the connections of the top horses recognise that and turn up.

"It's not just the two feature races, the Hurst Park looks really strong with some genuine festival contenders. That is a race we've been trying to build for several years, so to see that come to fruition is very pleasing.

"As for Constitution Hill, it's been quite a long time since a hurdler so early in his career had such a high profile. He's really caught the imagination of the public and there's a momentum building behind the horse and what he could be.

"Right now it appears we're a leading destination, among others, for the top jumpers, which is great news for a track more associated with the Flat. We had a really good opening jumps fixture a few weeks ago and it comes off the back of last season when our three Grade 1s were as strong as they've ever been, highlighted by the epic match between Shishkin and Energumene [in the Clarence House]."

Constitution Hill: in line for return at AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

A crowd in the region of 10,000 is expected at Ascot on Saturday to see Constitution Hill, whose participation was confirmed by Henderson.

Speaking at Warwick on Wednesday, the trainer said: "We're all right now. It's gone good to soft and as long as the word 'good to firm' doesn't come into it, then we're happy. God willing, we're all set to go on Saturday."

Ground conditions could ease further still with more rain forecast in the build-up to Ascot's two-day meeting, which starts on Friday.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "We changed the ground to good to soft this morning after six to seven millimetres of rain overnight. We're expecting a further band of rain this evening and overnight to deliver ten millimetres or more and maybe a blustery shower on Thursday, with Friday and Saturday looking drier and a bit cooler."

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