Constitution Hill demonstrated his prowess as a top-class Flat horse by securing his second victory in this new domain at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The nine-year-old, a former Champion Hurdle winner, partnered with renowned jockey Ryan Moore to triumph in a 1m4f novice stakes race on the all-weather course.
After an impressive debut in February, Constitution Hill was heavily favored to claim the winner’s purse of £6,480 in the Virgin Bet-sponsored event. Fans gathered in large numbers to witness the Nicky Henderson-trained veteran transition smoothly from hurdling to the Flat racing scene.
Following a series of falls in his recent hurdle races, Constitution Hill embarked on his new journey just over a month ago, guided by trainer Nicky Henderson. His successful outing at the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes paved the way for his future on the Flat circuit.
Returning to familiar territory at Kempton, Constitution Hill, a three-time Christmas Hurdle victor during his jumping career, delighted a crowd of 1,477 spectators. Under Moore’s skilled handling, the favorite settled in fifth place before surging ahead to outclass his competitors, ultimately defeating Classical Allusion.
Reflecting on the decision to shift focus from hurdles to Flat racing, Henderson expressed satisfaction with Constitution Hill’s performance. The accomplished horse, affectionately known as Conrad, showcased his potential on the Flat, hinting at further improvement in upcoming races.
Looking ahead, Moore acknowledged Constitution Hill’s adaptability and hinted at potential for future success, emphasizing the horse’s comfort at longer distances. The day prior, Henderson mourned the loss of Sir Gino, Constitution Hill’s potential successor in hurdling, underscoring the bittersweet nature of their recent experiences.
As Constitution Hill continues to excel in his new discipline, Henderson and his team remain grateful for the support and enthusiasm of fans. The horse’s newfound joy in racing serves as a poignant reminder of his resilience and the promising path that lies ahead in his Flat racing career.