Login
WATCH FREE
Watch: Constitution Hill makes short work of Kempton rivals
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Wed 25 Mar 2026
Constitution Hill won his his second start on the Flat in ready fashion at Kempton Park on Wednesday night.
The former champion hurdler had dazzled on his belated Flat debut at Southwell last month and again won in taking style under Ryan Moore in the 1m 4f Virgin Bet Novice Stakes.
Humdrum midweek cards at Kempton usually plays out in front of empty stands but the nine-year-old again proved a huge magnet and his bulging Fan Club, who applauded him into the paddock, and they were not left disappointed.
Just shy of 1,500 in attendance meant uplift of almost 1,000 on an average Kempton Wednesday night.
Sent off at 1-7, the Nicky Henderson-trained star settled well in fifth on the rail place before Moore switched him three out and invited the A-Lister to put his stamp on things.
Full race and reaction
He showed his customary acceleration, hitting 40.49mph in the penultimate furlong, and crossed the line two lengths clear of Classical Allusion. His split for the eleventh furlong was an impressive 11.17sec.
Moore said: “He’s a gentleman and I think the horse is enjoying his runs on the Flat. He moves really well and I think there will be plenty more improvement to come. He went to the line with his ears pricked.
“We don’t know that yet (his level), he will tell us. We will know more on his next one.
“I think he’s very comfortable at 12 (furlongs). (It was a ) slowly-run race, but it’s fine.”
A relieved Henderson said: "I think the main thing I liked is that Ryan said the horse is enjoying himself a lot.
"I think that's important because he's had a year of not enjoying his racing terribly and you can understand why, and if he's enjoying that then that's great for us.
Moore shares his thoughts with Martin Dwyer
"He thinks that the mile and a half is as far as he needs to go, he can go further yes, and he's deceptive in his size and he looked big today too. I think that is about the right trip anyway, we will have a sit down and have a think. It's great, it's over anyway and that's the main thing.
"There's a lot of relief. It's been a funny old few days and one of his sparring partners who was here at Christmas (Sir Gino, who died on Tuesday) isn't here anymore.
"He's not slow, on a sharp track like this he seems to handle it well. It's a different sport to be honest with you, compared to two miles at Cheltenham. He's pretty adaptable.
Henderson gives his snap verdict to Anthony Dunkley
"It (reception from the crowd) means a lot, he's had a difficult couple of years since that first fall at the Champion Hurdle just over a year ago and for Michael and for everybody, it's been tough.
"We are sitting on the best hurdler in the country, the only one who could have gone with him was probably Sir Gino, and you can't do anything. It's heartbreaking.
"At least we are finding something that as a nine-year-old he can enjoy and therefore it is wonderful that people want to enjoy him with us. I'm sure he appreciates it, I certainly do, and it's wonderful that these old horses, who have been going that long that they do become favourites.
"It's been fantastic. The crowd here tonight, it means a lot. A lot of sentimental memories, he's still with us and he's still going strong."
Where next?
Take a different view: The drone footage makes for great viewing
The big question now for connections is where to go next, with Newbury on April 18 appearing to be in pole position.
Henderson said: "The John Porter would still be my favourite option and Ryan's words to me, and we'll talk loads I'm sure, would be something like the Sagaro (Stakes, at Ascot) would be a step too far (in distance).
"I've always thought that the Ascots and the two-mile races would be too far so it is interesting Ryan's first impression is that, as it was Oisin's (Murphy, who rode at Southwell).
Go behind the scenes
Danny Archer's view
"Ryan rode in the Southwell race and has seen him from behind and said he's not a 'slow jumper', which is good.
"A part of today was to keep in our pocket a handicap mark if we needed one and we'll have to see if he is assessed or we have to go again. We're out of novices now, but we have to get a bit braver and ask the question at some stage - he's nine and we can't fuss around too long.
"I don't think he's a summer horse and this is as quick as he wants to be going on. I'd be conscious of getting a summer break as he was galloping in October getting ready for a Fighting Fifth.
"He's been in fast work for some time and will need a break if we have a solid autumn campaign in mind."
What the data revealed
and more here
Enjoy our YouTube treasure chest!
Related posts
Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow
Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"
Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team
Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup
William Buick set to be reunited with Touleen at Ascot
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved