Constitution Hill may need his passport next month, with Nicky Henderson giving serious thought to an 'Italian job' as the next chapter in the former champion hurdler's Flat racing journey.
Although the nine-year-old's unbeaten record on the level ended at Kempton's September Stakes, his rating climbed to 108, effectively shutting the door on handicap opportunities in Britain and prompting his trainer to search for other options.
Italian option for former champion hurdler
Though the Kempton setback also ended Melbourne Cup dreams, the desire to travel remains strong and Constitution Hill could head to Europe late next month if Henderson opts for the Gran Premio del Jockey Club on October 25, rather than the shorter trip to familiar territory at Newbury for the BetVictor St Simon Stakes on October 24.
Henderson, who had previously hinted at a November journey to Bahrain, said: "Italy is an option and it's a nice race for him. We've got the Newbury race the same weekend, so we'll be going somewhere that weekend, but we are keen on Italia! It's a very valuable race and a hell of a race but we've got to go and do something nice."
Trainer apologises to supporters
"If we do go to Italy I hope it isn't taken as disrespectful to his English supporters as they are so fantastic and I do apologise if we do take him abroad, but it was always our idea that we would be prepared to travel in the autumn," Henderson added.
"If the ground is suitable in Italy, which it could be, then it's a race that's there for him and we are quite tempted by 'The Italian Job'."
The Italian Group Two, held at San Siro racecourse in Milan, was claimed by Andrew Balding's Eydon 12 months ago and carries a prize fund of just over £420,000.
Plans for Cheltenham weekend
With Henderson swiftly ruling out a tilt at this weekend's BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes, plans are now being drawn up for a run either on home soil or, more likely, overseas — somewhat ironically on a weekend when racing returns to Cheltenham, a track that has played a pivotal role in Constitution Hill's remarkable story.
"It's a difficult weekend logistically as Cheltenham is on Friday and Saturday and this race in Milan is on the Sunday," Henderson continued. "This time last year we were trying to jump a hurdle and this is all completely different."
"Let's hope all goes well and he's in good form. We ruled Ascot out at the weekend so I have just backed off him for a few days and we'll start again and build him up to a view of going somewhere that weekend."
