Constitution Hill showcased his burgeoning talent as a top-tier Flat racer with a victory at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening, marking his second triumph in this new discipline. 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 all-weather course.
After an impressive 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 Nicky Henderson’s seasoned hurdler transition into a new phase of his career.
Following a series of falls in his recent hurdle races, Constitution Hill made the strategic move to switch to flat racing just over a month ago, under the guidance of trainer Nicky Henderson. The decision proved fruitful as he triumphed in the £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell, setting the stage for his successful foray into flat racing.
Returning to familiar terrain at Kempton, Constitution Hill, a three-time Christmas Hurdle winner during his jumping days, delighted a crowd of 1,477 spectators, significantly surpassing the typical Wednesday night turnout. Guided by Moore, the favorite at 1-7 comfortably secured victory over Classical Allusion, showcasing his potential for further growth in the flat racing domain.
Reflecting on the horse’s performance, Moore commended Constitution Hill’s adaptability and hinted at the possibility of further improvement in upcoming races. Trainer Henderson expressed relief and joy at seeing the horse relish his new racing environment, emphasizing the importance of Constitution Hill’s enjoyment in his renewed career path.
As Constitution Hill continues to excel on the flat track, Henderson and his team remain optimistic about the horse’s future prospects and look forward to exploring his full potential in this new chapter of his racing career.