Third run poser for Henderson if Constitution Hill is go for the Ebor

It may prove a race against time to make the Sky Bet Ebor, but Nicky Henderson could not be happier with Constitution Hill as he begins to formulate the next steps in his former hurdling star’s Flat odyssey.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle hero has to run one more time to qualify for York’s prestigious £500,000 handicap on August 22, with Henderson conceding he may “need to hurry up a bit” with the nine-year-old’s preparations if he is to squeeze in the required outing prior to the Knavesmire’s four-day summer showpiece.

Henderson said: “He’s back in and we’re cantering away. He’s not done any fast work yet, but so far all is good and he looks terrific.

“We’re intending to be ready for the middle of August and he’s got lots of options. The Ebor is one, but he does need to run before it to have his third run.

“Timing-wise we might not have time to get that in, but he had to have a realistic break in the summer. It’s not out of the question, but we’ll need to hurry up a bit.”

Constitution Hill’s only current entry is in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 13, but nothing has been ruled in or out at this stage as the master of Seven Barrows continues to deliberate over the programme book.

Henderson went on: “We’re looking basically everywhere! We’re prepared to travel, but it’s easier said than done with him because he has to have a companion so we won’t be going too far.

“We’ve got to enjoy it and there’s lots of options. We’ve been looking at our programme book and then ground and other things will come into it, but he’s in great form and we’re looking forward to getting him back out.

“We think a mile and a half is the correct distance and I don’t think a mile and six would frighten him, whereas I don’t think a mile and three would either.”

Wherever Constitution Hill next appears, it will be the eagerly-awaited continuation of a new career that began in style with two memorable evenings on the all-weather at Southwell, then Kempton.

Henderson added: “It was terrific when he ran on the Flat earlier in the year and it’s nice we have something we can do under the circumstances. It’s desperately disappointing we can’t go jumping, but I think everyone understands why, so we’re making the most of what we’ve got.

“Those two nights under the floodlights were spectacular, to be fair, and I think everyone enjoyed it hugely.”