Constitution Hill continued his successful transition to flat racing by securing a victory at Kempton Park. The nine-year-old, a former Champion Hurdle winner, partnered with jockey Ryan Moore to triumph in a 1m4f novice stakes event on the all-weather track.
After an impressive debut in February, Constitution Hill was the favorite to claim the £6,480 prize sponsored by Virgin Bet. Trainer Nicky Henderson guided the once dominant hurdler into this new phase after facing setbacks in his jumping career, culminating in three falls in recent races.
With a strategic aim at the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell, owned by Michael Buckley, Constitution Hill excelled under jockey Oisín Murphy, winning by a notable nine and a half lengths. This triumph marked a significant turning point, leading Henderson to shift the focus away from hurdling towards a future on the flat.
Returning to familiar territory at Kempton, where he had previously clinched the Christmas Hurdle three times during his jumps career, Constitution Hill attracted a sizable crowd of 1,477 spectators. The audience witnessed Moore guide the favorite to a fifth-place position before making a decisive move in the stretch to secure victory over Classical Allusion.
Moore expressed satisfaction with Constitution Hill’s performance, noting the horse’s enjoyment of flat racing and hinting at further improvement potential. Henderson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the horse’s enjoyment and suitability for races up to 12 furlongs.
Reflecting on recent events, Henderson acknowledged the relief and joy in witnessing Constitution Hill’s successful transition to flat racing, especially following the loss of Sir Gino, a prominent hurdler. The trainer highlighted the horse’s adaptability and comfort on the flat track, underscoring the support and appreciation from fans during this pivotal career shift.
The positive response from the crowd resonated with Henderson, recognizing the challenges faced in hurdling and the newfound enthusiasm surrounding Constitution Hill’s flat racing prospects. Amidst the changes and uncertainties, Henderson expressed gratitude for the continued support and shared excitement for the journey ahead with Constitution Hill.