Constitution Hill showcased his prowess as a top-notch Flat horse by clinching victory at Kempton Park on Wednesday night, marking his second win in this domain. The nine-year-old, once a Champion Hurdle victor, joined forces with esteemed jockey Ryan Moore to compete in a 1m4f novice stakes event on the all-weather course.
Following a remarkable debut in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to secure the £6,480 prize in the Virgin Bet-sponsored race, attracting a sizable audience eager to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained hurdler’s evolution.
Transitioning from his jumping career, which faced challenges with recent falls, the former Champion Hurdle winner embraced a fresh venture just over a month ago. Trainer Nicky Henderson strategically directed the nine-year-old, owned by Michael Buckley, towards the prestigious £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell.
Executing the plan flawlessly at Southwell, Constitution Hill, the favorite at 6-4 odds, dominated the race under jockey Oisín Murphy’s guidance, triumphing by a remarkable nine and a half lengths. This victorious performance influenced Henderson’s decision to shift focus from jumps to Flat racing, bypassing the Cheltenham Festival for a promising future in a different discipline.
Returning to familiar grounds at Kempton, where he had previously achieved success in the Christmas Hurdle three times during his jumping career, Constitution Hill attracted a crowd of 1,477, significantly surpassing the typical Wednesday night attendance. The audience warmly welcomed him into the paddock, anticipating another impressive display.
During the race, Moore positioned the 1-7 favorite in fifth place before making a decisive move at the 2-furlong pole, guiding Constitution Hill to victory over Classical Allusion with ease. Moore expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s performance, hinting at further improvement and potential in upcoming races, particularly noting Constitution Hill’s comfort at 12 furlongs.
In a poignant moment, Henderson announced the passing of Sir Gino, Constitution Hill’s predecessor in the hurdle division, the day before. Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s renewed enthusiasm and enjoyment in racing, Henderson emphasized the horse’s adaptability and hinted at his suitability for longer distances.
Acknowledging the overwhelming support from fans and the challenges faced in recent years, Henderson expressed gratitude for the positive reception and shared optimism for Constitution Hill’s new chapter in Flat racing. The crowd’s admiration and encouragement were deeply appreciated, underscoring the significance of the horse’s successful transition and the bright prospects ahead.