Nico de Boinville targeting Epsom not Cheltenham success on Thursday

The 34-year-old will swap tackling hurdles and fences for a spin on the level around the iconic Surrey venue when partnering the David Simcock-trained Ulysses gelding in the Everyone’s Booking Fit Show 2025 Jump Jockeys Derby Handicap, which is staged over the exact same course and distance (1m 4f 6y) as the Betfred Derby itself.

While excited about the season ahead with the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old, who is unbeaten in all seven career starts under Rules, de Boinville has his sights set on getting one over his close friend David Bass first in Thursday’s unique mile and a half test.

De Boinville said: “Last season with Constitution Hill was fantastic and everyone really enjoyed it and we have all had a bit of time to reflect on what he did. I thought last season’s Cheltenham Festival was great and it was fantastic to play our small part in it in winning the Champion Hurdle. Constitution Hill has spent the summer at Charlie Vigors (Hillwood Stud) and he has come back in looking well and I can’t wait to get going with him again.

“Sam Stronge (agent) has done a great job finding me a lovely ride for this race. I’ve not ridden for David Simcock since my amateur days so I’m very much looking forward to it.

“It is my second ride in the race, but I’ve had a couple of other rides around Epsom as an amateur. It will be very competitive for sure, but I will be giving it a good go. As long as I beat David Bass I will be happy!”

While de Boinville has tipped away over the summer months he admits this opportunity represents a good way to get back into the swing of things ahead of the 2023/24 Jump season stepping up another notch.

De Boinville said: “It is a great thing that Epsom put on for us Jump lads and it is great to be part of it. I think everyone is on a fairly level playing field, although Jamie Moore probably has got a bit more experience around there compared to some of the other lads that are riding in the race. I’ve had a few winners over the summer, but we are just gearing up for the first wave of horses that will soon be back out for the jumps season. This is a nice way to get going again properly and it is good to support the race.”

Not only does de Boinville have the pleasure of teaming up with Constitution Hill again, but he also has his stablemate Shishkin, who he believes is a genuine contender for the 2024 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, to get back on board.

After suffering defeat on his seasonal return last season in the Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown Park the Sholokhov gelding bounced back with a commanding success in the Betfair Ascot Chase before filling the runner-up spot in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, Shishkin, who is a general 10/1 chance for the Gold Cup, demonstrated stamina is very much his forte when staying on powerfully on his first start over three miles and a furlong in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase at the Merseyside track on his final start in April.

De Boinville added: “If you look back at last season what he did in winning two Grade One races he didn’t do too bad really. He put his best foot forward in the Bowl at the end of the season and that certainly opened a few new doors for this season. Like Constitution Hill he has also come back in looking well and I’m really looking forward to seeing him over those longer trips again. It appears that he is heading the way of the Gold Cup this season, so fingers crossed he stays in one piece and we get there.”

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCareon 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org