Long time till Hill is in sight

THERE is considerable consternation among a large section of the

National Hunt racing community that Constitution Hill will, almost certainly, not be seen until the Champion Hurdle takes place on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

That will only be the superstar’s ninth run in 27 months.

You get the frustration that comes from a truly brilliant animal only being seen three times a season.

But it also adds to the aura of great, undisputed champions of any sport.

And by the time the tape goes up on Tuesday, March 12, we will all be desperate for a reminder of just how awesome he is.

ON one of his first days in the England manager’s job, I spent an hour interviewing Sven Goran Eriksson at his office in Soho Square.

He was unfailingly polite, unassuming and engaging company.

And even after five very eventful years in the ‘Impossible Job’ – during which his personal and professional life came under microscopic scrutiny – he remained that way.

He has always been a pleasure to deal with.

“First half good, second half not so good,” he would often say.

After the sad diagnosis, let’s hope Sven now gets plenty of added time as well.

WHAT separates elite snooker players, who compile century breaks with astonishing precision, from the characters who feed light boxes with coins while trying to fluke three balls on the spin?

Their brilliance, of course.

Oh, and their waistcoats and bow ties.

And that is why, despite suggestions to the contrary from John Higgins at this week’s Masters tournament at the Ally Pally, they should stay.