SYNDICATE OWNERS HOPING FOR CONSTITUTION HILL SHOWDOWN

Features | 17th November 2023

Going racing can’t get any more exciting for the syndicate behind top class mare Love Envoi than a probable
showdown with superstar Constitution Hill.

Noel Fehily Racing’s flagbearer is likely to make her seasonal re-appearance in the Grade 1 BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday, 2nd December.

That means an eagerly awaited clash with the Champion Hurdler, who has been confirmed an intended runner in the two-mile showpiece by his trainer Nicky Henderson.

“She fractured a foot at Punchestown last spring so was given an extended holiday but has been back in work with her trainer Harry Fry since the beginning of October and is looking good,” says David Crosse, who runs
the syndicate in partnership with the former top jockey Fehily.

“We’d like to start her off at Newcastle. She’s been doing plenty of work and has a great record fresh but the
final decision will rest with Harry.”

Most of Love Envoi’s 10 shareholders plan to be at Gosforth Park to see her take on Constitution Hill, who won the race last year en route to Cheltenham Festival glory. Among her proud owners are Premier League linesman Andy Nunn, farmer David Bennett and events company owner Jack Bates – the youngest member of the syndicate.

“Most of them have booked their hotels just in case,” adds Crosse. “I doubt Andy will be able to go because of his football commitments but he’s a very enthusiastic owner who also has shares with us in Come On Teddy and Royale Dance.

“We’ll probably all be playing second fiddle to Constitution Hill but if she’s ready to go it will be a steppingstone to Sandown for the Listed mares’ hurdle she won last new year. The Grade 2 Warwick Mares’ Hurdle in February is also on her agenda before she returns to Cheltenham in March.

“Everything is geared up to another run in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival which she finished a gallant second in to the brilliant Honeysuckle last season. It was an amazing day for everyone involved and has given us all hope that she can go one better.”

Second favourite in the ante-post market for the Newcastle feature, Love Envoi landed the Mares Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and has won seven of her 10 starts over hurdles. She cost only £38,000 when she was bought by Fehily and Crosse in March 2021.

“I don’t think we’ll ever come across a mare like her again,” adds Crosse. “She shows nothing on the gallops at home but comes alive on the racecourse. Harry’s done a great job with her and we can’t wait to get going again.”

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