Constitution Hill's next Flat race has been identified as the Listed August Stakes at Windsor on August 29, with trainer Nicky Henderson describing it as the 'ideal' target for the former jumps superstar.
From Jumps Champion to Flat Prospect
The one-time champion hurdler, who won ten consecutive races including the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, switched codes after a string of three falls in four races. He made a stunning Flat debut at Southwell in February, winning by seven lengths before a record crowd, and followed up with a novice stakes victory at Kempton in March, ridden by Ryan Moore.
Moore remarked after the Kempton win: 'He's certainly got enough pace to be competitive in Group races at a mile-and-a-half.'
Windsor Chosen Over York Ebor
Henderson had considered the Sky Bet Ebor at York on August 22, but a mid-season break left insufficient time for a third run to qualify for a handicap mark. The Seven Barrows trainer has now settled on the one-mile-three-furlong Listed race at Windsor.
Henderson said: 'There are other options, but I think the Windsor race is the right one. The timing is good and it's a race that looks good for him. It's just down the road and we don't have to travel too far and the Windsor ground hopefully tends to be quite kind. A figure of eight shouldn't worry him and it's one-mile-three which should be all right, but most importantly it's a Listed race and that is ideal for him.'
Deauville Option Also Considered
Henderson will also enter Constitution Hill for the Group Two Prix Kergorlay at Deauville on August 23, a race Moore had previously suggested. However, the horse cannot run in both, and Windsor remains the primary option.
'Ryan always thought the Prix Kergorlay would be a good race for him, but he can't go to both Deauville and Windsor,' Henderson added. 'We'll put him in the Kergorlay this morning but I think Windsor would be my premier option and I just like the idea of running in a Listed race, which I think is the right level for him.'
Future Plans and Melbourne Cup Speculation
After Windsor, a handicap run is possible, opening up heritage handicap opportunities. The Prix Kergorlay offers a 'win and you're in' berth for the Melbourne Cup, as does the Irish St Leger, in which the horse is also entered.
Henderson commented on Melbourne Cup interest: 'The people from Australia came to see us on Monday and one minute we think the Melbourne Cup will be fun and then the next a stupid idea, but there you go. Of course it will be fun, but it has to be sensible fun, and there also lots of other options in England, Ireland and France. You do have to bear in mind though he is nine and he's enjoying himself and we're going to enjoy it as well.'
