Michael Owen spoke exclusively to ReadHorseRacing.com about the upcoming Chester May Festival and former Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill switching to the flat.
Constitution Hill CAN’T Compete Against Top Group Horses, Says Michael Owen
Michael Owen, who represents Casino.org, a leading platform helping players find UK casino brands was speaking exclusively to Read Horse Racing.
We asked Michael about the Constitution Hill debate and on the upcoming Chester May Festival, which Manor House Stables love to target.
RHR: What do you make of the whole Constitution Hill switching to the flat saga – do you think he’ll be able to mix it in the top Group races?
Michael Owen: “I think it was the right thing to do. You don’t want to see a top horse keep falling over hurdles when they have been so good and won so many big races, especially at Cheltenham Festival.
“So, he is older now and to move to the flat was the right call from both Owner and Trainer. Compete in top group races?
I am not sure top group races, I also think Constitution Hill needs give in the ground and this comes in the autumn.
So maybe lower group races, yes sure, he can compete in these, but not against the top group horses.”
WATCH: Constitution Hill Wins On Flat Debut At Southwell
As well as Manor House and Hugo Palmer, Aidan O’Brien also enjoys targeting the Chester May Festival.
His exciting three-year-old Benvenuto Cellini looks to be heading to the Chester Vase.
A win at Chester for Benvenuto Cellini could see the Epsom Derby betting odds shift once again.
Owen was speaking on what Chester means to the yard.
RHR: With the Chester May Meeting on the horizon – is this still one of your favourite fixtures of the flat season?
Michael Owen: “Absolutely, its on our doorstep, we have the most runners here, our owners love it and it’s definitely one of the favourites for sure. We’re excited this year to have more runners at Chester Festival than before and with owners coming down, it’s great for them to see their horses run at such a good festival.
“So I am excited, we’re two weeks away now and the final preparations are underway. We’ve won races at the festival before and hopefully with the horses being entered for this years meeting, we can do the same.”
Keep an eye out for more quotes from Michael Owen on ReadHorseRacing over the next couple of days.
