Oisin Murphy relishing Constitution Hill opportunity at Southwell

Oisin Murphy is relishing linking up with Constitution Hill when he makes his Flat debut at Southwell on Friday night.

The five-times champion jockey is no stranger to high-pressure mounts on the grandest of stages worldwide – but rarely will a ride of his under the floodlights at the Nottinghamshire track in February have attracted so much attention.

However, having been chosen by owner Michael Buckley to partner the 2023 Champion Hurdler in his fascinating, if potentially temporary, switch to the level, the eyes of the racing world will be on Murphy and his mount when they head to post for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes.

Murphy told the Press Association: “I’m really looking forward to Constitution Hill, obviously he is a class horse and it was great to be asked by Michael Buckley to ride him. Michael and I have been friends for a long time.

“There’s no real pressure and I’m used to riding high-class horses in important races. Of course everyone is going to want a result and hoping he can perform to his best, but he will be doing his best and so will I.”

Since Nicky Henderson revealed Murphy was in prime position to take the reins, the 30-year-old has visited Seven Barrows to put Constitution Hill through his paces, including taking one of National Hunt racing’s flagship names through starting stalls before then heading out on the gallops.

A nephew of Gold Cup-winning jockey and trainer Jim Culloty, it is not the first time Murphy has accompanied top jumping talent in work and believes the nine-year-old has all the attributes to make his presence felt over a mile and a half on the Tapeta.

“I sat on him the other week in the morning and did some stalls work and he was very intelligent, he got the hang of it quickly and I rode him in exercise and he felt in super shape,” explained Murphy.

“He’s a very good moving horse and he’s got a nice mouth and is obviously very well known.

“I’ve ridden high-class jumps horses in the past, the likes of Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere and Spring Heeled, and he’s probably a good bit better than them and definitely a good bit faster.

“I hope he’ll take to it well and everything has gone smoothly up to now as far as I know. He’s very fit and Nicky says he’s well and it will be very interesting.”