Constitution Hill continued his successful transition to flat racing by securing a victory at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The nine-year-old, previously known for his Champion Hurdle triumph, partnered with jockey Ryan Moore in a 1m4f novice stakes event on the all-weather track.
After an impressive debut in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to claim the £6,480 prize in the Virgin Bet-sponsored race. Fans gathered in large numbers to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained veteran hurdler showcase his progress in the new discipline.
Following a series of falls in his last hurdling races, Constitution Hill shifted his focus to flat racing approximately 33 days ago. Trainer Nicky Henderson directed the seasoned horse, owned by Michael Buckley, to compete in the £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell, which proved to be a strategic move.
The decision to transition Constitution Hill to flat racing was reinforced by his dominant performance at Southwell, where he triumphed under jockey Oisín Murphy, solidifying the trainer’s choice to retire from jumps racing and pursue a future on the flat.
Returning to familiar territory at Kempton Park, Constitution Hill, a three-time Christmas Hurdle winner during his jumping career, attracted a crowd of 1,477 spectators eager to witness his latest victory. Under Moore’s expert guidance, the favorite settled into fifth place before accelerating in the final stages to defeat Classical Allusion.
Moore praised Constitution Hill’s adaptability to flat racing, hinting at further improvements in future races. The trainer, Henderson, expressed relief and joy at seeing the horse enjoy his new discipline, emphasizing the importance of Constitution Hill’s comfort and pleasure in his racing endeavors.
Reflecting on the crowd’s enthusiastic response, Henderson acknowledged the challenging journey Constitution Hill had faced and the heartbreak of losing Sir Gino, his hurdling successor. Henderson appreciated the support and shared his optimism for Constitution Hill’s promising future in flat racing, grateful for the continued admiration and backing from fans and spectators.