{"id":79803,"date":"2026-02-05T10:01:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T10:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=79803"},"modified":"2026-02-05T10:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T10:01:16","slug":"oisin-murphy-to-ride-constitution-hill-southwell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/oisin-murphy-to-ride-constitution-hill-southwell\/","title":{"rendered":"Flat Debut for Jumps Giant: Oisin Murphy To Partner Constitution Hill at Southwell"},"content":{"rendered":"

Five-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy\u00a0has been booked to ride the legendary\u00a0Constitution Hill\u00a0in his Flat racing debut at Southwell on\u00a0February 20, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The former Champion Hurdle winner, trained by Nicky Henderson, is set to swap the turf and hurdles for the All-Weather in a bid to revitalize a career that has been hampered by jumping errors in recent seasons.<\/p>\n

A Star-Studded Partnership As Oisin Murphy Confirmed at Constitution Hill Jockey For Southwell Run<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The announcement comes after Murphy visited Henderson’s famed\u00a0Seven Barrows<\/b> yard on Wednesday morning, February 4, to get acquainted with the 9-year-old gelding.<\/p>\n

The pair reportedly completed a piece of work that included stalls practice and a strong gallop.<\/p>\n

“Oisin came in and rode him this morning,” Henderson told the Press Association. <\/em><\/p>\n

“He had another bit of stalls practice and then he had a gallop and Oisin was happy. I’m very happy to have Oisin.”<\/em><\/p>\n

The choice of Murphy, one of the premier Flat riders in the world, signals the seriousness of this unconventional move.<\/p>\n

While Henderson also considered other top flat jockeys, the lure of Murphy\u2019s tactical expertise on the level proved decisive for owner Michael Buckley.<\/p>\n

The Southwell Mission For Constitution Hill<\/h3>\n

The race in question is a\u00a0\u00a340,000 novice stakes<\/b>\u00a0over 1m 4f, sponsored by SBK. It forms part of the “Friday Night Live<\/a>” series, designed to bring high-profile action to the All-Weather circuit.<\/p>\n

The decision to run on the Flat follows a frustrating period for the horse, who has\u00a0fallen in three of his last four starts over hurdles.<\/p>\n

Most recently in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle back in November this season.<\/p>\n

This Southwell run is viewed as a “litmus test” to see if the horse retains his competitive fire without the mental or physical pressure of jumping.<\/p>\n

Road to Cheltenham?<\/h3>\n

Despite the diversion to the Flat, the shadow of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival<\/a>\u00a0still looms.<\/p>\n

Constitution Hill remains entered in the 2026 Champion Hurdle on March 10, but Henderson has been cautious about making any promises.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n