Constitution Hill, the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner, made a triumphant debut on the Flat at Southwell on Friday, winning by nine and a half lengths. The nine-year-old, ridden motionless by champion jockey Oisin Murphy, stunned even his trainer Nicky Henderson with the performance.
Henderson admitted the result opens up possibilities, saying: 'I couldn’t have dreamed that one up. This does open up a lot of doors. We have to think long and hard.' The victory comes after a series of setbacks over hurdles, including falls in the Champion Hurdle and Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Owner Michael Buckley expressed relief and pride: 'We’ve always known he was special. With all the problems and heartbreaks, now everybody knows how special he is.' The horse had drifted in betting but started favourite at 6-4, drawing a near-record crowd of 3,520 to Southwell.
The race was created after Henderson suggested a Flat spin following Constitution Hill's latest fall. A bumper entry initially threatened to ballot him out, but his place was confirmed on Wednesday. Henderson noted: 'Putting on that prize money made the race too competitive, but he was unbelievable.'
