Constitution Hill showcased his progress as a top-class Flat racehorse by securing a victory at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The nine-year-old, previously known for his success in the Champion Hurdle, partnered with renowned jockey Ryan Moore in a 1m4f novice stakes event on the synthetic track.
Following a remarkable debut in the Flat racing scene in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to claim the £6,480 prize in the Virgin Bet-sponsored race. Despite the odds, a significant crowd gathered at Kempton Park to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained hurdler’s transition to a new discipline.
Having faced challenges in his jumping career with multiple falls in recent races, Constitution Hill switched his focus to the Flat racing domain about a month ago. Trainer Nicky Henderson directed the talented gelding, owned by Michael Buckley, towards the prestigious £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell.
The strategic move paid off handsomely as Constitution Hill, ridden by Oisín Murphy, surged to victory by a commanding margin of nine and a half lengths in front of an enthusiastic audience at Southwell. This compelling performance convinced Henderson to shift the horse’s future away from jumps racing and towards a promising Flat racing career.
Returning to familiar territory at Kempton Park, where he had previously excelled in the Christmas Hurdle, Constitution Hill impressed once again. The crowd, more than triple the usual Wednesday night attendance, cheered him on as he delivered a dominant performance under Moore’s guidance, triumphing over Classical Allusion.
Reflecting on the horse’s performance, Moore praised Constitution Hill’s adaptability to Flat racing and hinted at further improvement in upcoming races. Henderson expressed relief and satisfaction at the horse’s enjoyment and success in his new racing discipline, highlighting the importance of the audience’s support during this transitional phase.
As Constitution Hill continues to excel on the Flat racing circuit, Henderson remains optimistic about the horse’s future prospects and appreciates the enduring support from racing enthusiasts. The trainer emphasized the horse’s newfound enjoyment in racing and acknowledged the challenges they had overcome, expressing gratitude for the shared journey with the loyal fans.