Box office horses take the spotlight

From the dazzling Constitution Hill to Warren Greatrex's emotional Topham success, there was even more to savour

THE Randox Grand National meeting is really about one race and while Constitution Hill may not have been the star of the show last week, what a warm-up act he was. The ball for Nicky Henderson's good Aintree had already been set rolling by Shishkin, when he beat course specialist Ahoy Senor on his first try at three miles in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.

Henderson's week would continue to go well, with Jonbon winning the EFT Systems Maghull Novices' Chase, and a trail-blazing run in the National from Mister Coffey - the novice who led to the last - meant even the trainer was entertaining hopes of a first National win for 4mlf.

Constitution Hill is box office nonetheless and he had no trouble making all and beating Sharjah three lengths on his first try over 2½ miles in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, taking his unbeaten career to seven starts.

But we need to talk about Conrad (his stable name). It would be interesting to know exactly what Nico de Boinville really thought he had left in the tank because, ultimately, that is the key to his future. I know Nicky Henderson believes he'd get Exmoor's Golden Horseshoe standing on his head because of his mind and style of racing, but can that over-ride DNA which may mean two miles is his absolute optimum?