Constitution Hill demonstrated his prowess as a top-tier Flat horse by clinching victory for the second time in his new discipline at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The former Champion Hurdle winner, now nine years old, partnered with esteemed jockey Ryan Moore to compete in a 1m4f novice stakes race on the all-weather track.
After an impressive debut in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to secure the £6,480 prize in the race sponsored by Virgin Bet. Despite the odds, a large audience gathered to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained hurdler’s progression in his new endeavor.
Following a series of falls in his jumping career, Constitution Hill transitioned to the flat racing scene just 33 days ago, guided by trainer Nicky Henderson towards the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell. The move proved successful as Constitution Hill, ridden by Oisín Murphy, triumphed in commanding fashion, winning by a significant margin.
Henderson decided to redirect Constitution Hill’s career away from hurdling, opting for a future focused on flat racing following his recent successes. The horse’s return to Kempton Park, where he had previously excelled in the Christmas Hurdle races, drew a crowd of 1,477 eager spectators, surpassing the typical Wednesday attendance.
In the race, Constitution Hill, the heavy favorite at 1-7 odds, settled into fifth place under Moore’s guidance before accelerating in the final stretch to secure the win over Classical Allusion. Moore expressed satisfaction with the horse’s performance, hinting at further potential improvements in upcoming races.
The day before the Kempton Park victory, Henderson sadly announced the passing of Sir Gino, a prominent figure in the hurdling division and Constitution Hill’s potential successor, after a prolonged battle with health issues.
Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s recent achievements, Henderson emphasized the horse’s newfound enjoyment in racing and hinted at his suitability for distances up to a mile and a half. The trainer also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the racing community, highlighting the challenging journey the horse had faced prior to his successful transition to flat racing.
Henderson’s sentiments were echoed by the enthusiastic crowd, who welcomed Constitution Hill’s triumph as a beacon of hope amidst recent setbacks in the hurdling realm. The horse’s adaptability and promising performances on the flat track have instilled confidence in his future endeavors, resonating with both fans and racing professionals alike.