Nicky Henderson has made an early call on whether Constitution Hill will return to Flat action on Saturday, deciding to wait for the September Stakes at Kempton instead.
The winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival switched codes after a sequence of three falls in four races, making his Flat debut in February when he recorded a stunning win at Southwell, scoring by seven lengths before a record crowd for the Nottinghamshire track. Then he won another novice stakes at Kempton in March and is ready to resume his new career following a short break.
Windsor entry withdrawn
His name featured among 19 entries for the Listed Weatherbys August Stakes at Windsor on Saturday, but Henderson made it clear it would have to rain for him to take his chance. Yet 24 hours after making the entry he has made his mind up.
In a post on his X account, he said: "We all very much appreciate all the interest let alone the speculation as to Constitution Hill’s next race, but, between Michael & I and all the team, we have decided, in order to avoid further uncertainty and any possibility of a late withdrawal, to wait for the September Stakes at Kempton a week on Saturday, as opposed to Windsor this weekend."
Ground concerns
"There are, in fact, several factors apart from the ground that have influenced our decision. Having spoken to jockeys who rode at Windsor last night, and Charlie Rees (Clerk of the Course), who I know is doing everything to combat this dry spell, the chances of the ground being suitable on Saturday are highly unlikely."
"Kempton is obviously going to be a highly competitive Group 3, but we have got to start somewhere in order to find out where he belongs and establish an autumn campaign."
Jockey hopes
"We are hoping that one of the two jockeys who know him [Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore] could be available for the September Stakes, which they are unlikely to be this weekend. We all think he is in excellent shape and although he will undoubtedly benefit from this run he is ready to do himself justice."
