Constitution Hill continued to impress in his transition to flat racing by securing his second victory in this new domain at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The nine-year-old, previously known for his success in the Champion Hurdle, partnered with renowned jockey Ryan Moore to compete in a 1m4f novice stakes event on the synthetic track.
After a remarkable debut in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to claim the £6,480 prize for the Virgin Bet-sponsored race. Fans gathered in large numbers to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained ex-hurdler’s progress in his new career path.
Following a series of falls in his recent hurdle races, Constitution Hill made the switch to flat racing approximately 33 days ago under the guidance of trainer Nicky Henderson. The talented gelding, owned by Michael Buckley, triumphed at the £40,000 SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell in a convincing manner.
The decision to shift focus from jumps to flat racing was reinforced after Constitution Hill’s stellar performance at Southwell. Henderson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and admiration shown towards the horse, affectionately known as Conrad within the stable.
Returning to familiar territory at Kempton, where he had previously clinched the Christmas Hurdle three times during his hurdling career, Constitution Hill attracted a crowd of 1,477 spectators on a Wednesday night, a significant increase from the usual attendance. Supporters cheered him on as he made his way to the paddock, showcasing their unwavering enthusiasm.
Under Moore’s guidance, Constitution Hill, the odds-on favorite at 1-7, settled in fifth position before making a decisive move at the 2f marker to outclass Classical Allusion with ease. Moore commended the horse’s performance, hinting at further improvement and expressing optimism about his future potential in flat racing.
Henderson reflected on the positive atmosphere surrounding Constitution Hill’s recent achievements, emphasizing the importance of the horse’s enjoyment in his new racing endeavors. The trainer highlighted the horse’s adaptability and hinted at his comfort with longer distances, suggesting that the mile and a half might be an ideal range for him.
As the crowd continued to show their support for Constitution Hill, Henderson expressed gratitude for the renewed excitement surrounding the horse’s career shift. Despite facing challenges in the past, Henderson acknowledged the joy of finding a new path for Constitution Hill and appreciated the shared enthusiasm from fans and supporters.