St Leger buzz highlights Epsom ‘disaster’… and why Constitution Hill retirement talk is utter nonsense

Matt Chapman on 07/10/2020 for Sun Racing. Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd. MORE people are set to see the Derby winner live at Doncaster on Saturday than did so for his Classic victory at Epsom. That’s what I’m hearing from those on the ground at Town Moor as racing fans look forward to the 250th St Leger. The weather didn’t help at Epsom – to say the least – but it still hurts that the crowd to see Christmas Day, favourite for Saturday’s St Leger, win the Derby was so small Credit: AFP Over 30,000 people are expected to enjoy St Leger history at the weekend. On the one hand that’s terrific news for Doncaster, but it also highlights the disaster at Epsom that saw just 28,557 racegoers turn up for Christmas Day’s success in June. Christmas Day heads the five-day confirmations for the 250th St Leger, and I’m convinced he’s a decent Derby winner who hasn’t got the credit he deserves. Indeed, whatever happens Saturday – when the ground won’t be as testing as he loves – if the Arc de Triomphe comes up muddy I’d be running him in France, without a doubt. The status of Billy Loughnane is seen by the fact Joseph O’Brien has snapped him up for Enceladus, who looked a real improver at Royal Ascot when landing the King George V Stakes and even more so in the Group 3 Gordon at Glorious Goodwood. I’d expect to see Tom Marquand on an O’Brien (Aidan, probably) somewhere. Constitution Hill was back at the weekend and despite running the best Flat race of his career at Kempton in defeat many called for his retirement. What a load of nonsense. Most read in Horse Racing I suspect people who suggest that kind of thing think they care about horses more than the rest of us who totally disagree. They think they love horses just that bit more. I can only repeat that Constitution is a horse, not a human. No one knows whether he is happier racing or stood in a field, but what we do know is he’s bred to race. That’s his job. That’s what he is born to do. In a field he can have the same accident as that can happen to horses racing – just ask those closest to Galopin des Champs and Sire de Grugy. Once Constitution Hill was a monster hurdler, now he’s a pretty good Flat horse. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to retire him. Utter nonsense to suggest otherwise. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now