Aintree: Constitution Hill ‘in really good order’, says Nico de Boinville as Shishkin seeks Bowl victory | Racing News

Jockey Nico de Boinville has described Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill as being in “really good order” ahead of his run in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday. The horse, winner of the Champion Hurdle last time out, is set to run over two-and-a-half miles for the first time in his quest to continue his unbeaten record over hurdles. De Boinville, who will also ride Shishkin at the meeting, expressed confidence that the extra distance would prove no issue for Constitution Hill.

Nine-year-old Shishkin comes to Aintree after finishing second to Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Speaking about the horse’s chances, De Boinville said: “I really like the horse and when he’s on song he will be very hard to beat. All the ability is there, it’s just a case of bringing it all together.”

De Boinville hopes to ride Mister Coffey in Saturday’s Grand National. The horse is bottom-weighted and the jockey remains positive about his chances, saying: “Any rain that comes shouldn’t be a problem. He’s by Authorized and he seems to go through it alright … I’m looking forward to the ride.”

The Alder Hey Aintree Bowl, one of the races in which Shishkin will contend, is one of several to include horses that ran at Cheltenham last month. Another, the Randox Grand National, sees the horse that won the Gold Cup – Minella Indo – heading the betting markets. Closer to the race itself, the two injury-related non-runners are reported to be The Long Mile and Give Me A Copper.



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