Late-summer return moved as trainer opts for Kempton
Nicky Henderson has confirmed Constitution Hill will not run in Saturday’s Weatherbys Listed August Stakes at Windsor, instead targeting the Group Three September Stakes at Kempton Park a week later.
The nine-year-old, a high-profile recruit to the Flat following a stellar hurdling career, had been pencilled in for the Berkshire meeting. However, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley decided to make an early call after concerns over the very dry ground at Windsor.
Although there was some hope that thunderstorms later in the week could improve the going, Henderson and his team judged the risk of a late withdrawal too great and chose to reroute to Kempton to avoid further uncertainty.
Ground and planning key to decision
Henderson cited several factors in the decision-making process, with ground conditions the principal concern. He also said the trainer had spoken to jockeys who had ridden at Windsor the previous evening and to Charlie Rees, the clerk of the course, about the ongoing dry spell and the likelihood of suitable ground for the meeting.
With those reports taken into account, the connections decided it was preferable to wait and start Constitution Hill’s Flat campaign at Kempton, where the September Stakes will provide a more reliable proposition.
Looking ahead to Kempton
The September Stakes on Kempton’s Polytrack is a Group Three contest that Henderson acknowledges will be competitive, but it offers a clearer opportunity to assess Constitution Hill as he continues his transition from hurdling to the Flat and shapes his autumn programme.
Constitution Hill has made two Flat starts to date, ridden by Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore respectively. Henderson indicated that he hopes one of the pair might be available for Kempton, whereas both are likely to be otherwise engaged on Saturday at Windsor.
Henderson also reported that the horse is in excellent order and that a return at Kempton should help determine his level on the Flat ahead of any autumn targets.
Implications for festival and racegoers
- Windsor’s listed race will miss one of the highest-profile recent recruits to the Flat in Constitution Hill, which alters the expected line-up for the meeting.
- Kempton’s September Stakes gains a notable contender, strengthening the race’s profile and providing a focus for those following the early stages of Constitution Hill’s Flat campaign.
- The move also highlights how ground and weather remain key considerations for late-summer planning, with trainers prepared to shift plans to avoid unnecessary withdrawals.
The decision brings an end, for now, to speculation about a Windsor appearance and sets a clear course for Constitution Hill’s next start on the all-weather at Kempton a week on Saturday.
