POV: Changing Constitution (David Stewart)

David Stewart on changing his mind on Constitution Hill’s planned Southwell flat race…

I’ve changed my mind on the planned Southwell flat race for Constitution Hill on February 20.

My first instinctive thoughts were that it was preferential, the race was being ‘put on’ for him and it sets a questionable precedent.

Then I considered it more and also looked at the facts of the story (always helpful).

The race hasn’t been created for him – simply prize money boosted – and in the current era what business can’t afford to not welcome the move with open arms from a sponsor willing to inject extra and discretionary money into the sport?

Story for another day but I don’t think sponsors and bookmakers get great value for their investment into racing which is often seen as philanthropic and taken for granted rather than commercial.

The move will boost interest at Southwell, the Cheltenham narrative and the sport in general on what is normally a calm before the storm month.

It might also not be a slam-dunk race. Far from it, that level of prize money won’t be lost on connections of more experienced flat runners who will more than fancy their chances.

However, I don’t believe that Constitution Hill is (yet) the star many in the racing bubble believe. One spectacular Champion Hurdle win isn’t enough to break fully into the publics consciousness and if you asked 100 members of the Great British Public to name a famous racehorse I suspect you would STILL get “Red Rum, Desert Orchid and Frankel” dominating.

So even more reason to promote our current equine stars or at least try.

Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers.

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