“We’re not running him for experience or anything like that. He doesn’t need experience. The crux of it is that we probably need to get him a handicap mark and so this is the second leg,” said Nicky Henderson, the esteemed trainer of Constitution Hill, as he prepares the remarkable horse for his second Flat appearance at Kempton Park.
On March 19, Constitution Hill will compete in the Virgin Bet Novice Stakes, with Ryan Moore set to take the reins. This race marks a significant moment for the horse, who has transitioned from an outstanding hurdler to the Flat racing scene. Henderson’s words resonate deeply, especially considering Constitution Hill’s illustrious past, including a breathtaking victory in the G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by an astonishing 22 lengths at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival.
After a successful Flat debut at Southwell, where he won by nine and a half lengths, the anticipation surrounding Constitution Hill’s performance at Kempton is palpable. However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing; the horse faced challenges in his last few outings over hurdles, falling in three of his last four races. This shift to Flat racing is not just about gaining experience; it’s a strategic move to secure a handicap mark that will allow him to compete more effectively in future races.
“It’s not the practice he needs, but we’ve got to be getting ahead in trying to get him a handicap mark, so we feel it’s better to get it done this way,” Henderson explained, shedding light on the rationale behind this decision. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as the team aims to set Constitution Hill up for success.
Barney Clifford, a key figure in the racing community, expressed hope for a strong turnout at the event. “I hope people will come. Looking at what he did at Southwell, both with his performance and the press he generated, hopefully it’ll gather momentum and we’ll be rewarded at the track on Wednesday,” he remarked. The excitement surrounding Constitution Hill is not just about his past victories but also the potential he holds for the future.
As the race day approaches, it’s clear that the team is optimistic. “Nico [de Boinville] came and sat on him this morning, only because he’s ridden him in all of his gallops and knows him very well. I asked him to sit on him and he said he felt in good form,” Henderson shared, indicating that Constitution Hill is in prime condition for the upcoming race.
Looking ahead, Constitution Hill’s next potential race is the G3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury on April 18, just three weeks after his appearance at Kempton. With odds currently set at 2-7 for the Kempton contest and between 14-1 and 16-1 for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June, the racing world is keenly watching this remarkable horse’s journey.
As the anticipation builds, fans and followers of Constitution Hill are left eager for what’s next. The upcoming race at Kempton is not just another event; it’s a pivotal moment in a story that continues to unfold, filled with hope, strategy, and the promise of greatness.
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