Rain to shape Windsor plan for Constitution Hill
Nicky Henderson has confirmed that whether Constitution Hill lines up in Saturday’s Weatherbys August Stakes at Windsor will hinge largely on expected rainfall later this week. The former hurdling champion, who has begun a late-career Flat campaign with two all-weather victories, is entered for the Listed mile-and-a-quarter contest but has Kempton’s September Stakes as a ready alternative should the turf remain firm.
Stepping into stronger company
Constitution Hill, rated 101 on the Flat after his two novice wins at Southwell and Kempton, would be moving into markedly tougher company at Windsor. Several established performers remain engaged for the race, including the Tattersalls Gold Cup winner White Birch and the high-class trio Al Aasy, Arabian Crown and Ghostwriter, all rated in the low 110s.
Henderson has stressed the run is needed to set the course for the rest of the gelding’s Flat campaign. The intention is to make a decision promptly so connections and ground-riders know whether he will travel to Windsor or be kept for the all-weather option at Kempton.
Trainer and clerk of the course cautious but optimistic
Henderson reported that Constitution Hill has had a break and is in good order, but acknowledged the difference in standard between the novice races the horse has contested and the Listed-level test he would face at Windsor. He described the step up as a stiff challenge that will give clearer evidence of the horse’s level on turf over a middle distance.
At Windsor, clerk of the course Charlie Rees said the forecast now points to thunderstorms and some rainfall across the coming days. Current indications suggest 5–10mm on Thursday and a similar amount on Friday, with the possibility of showers persisting into racing on Saturday. If the higher end of the forecast materialises, the going would be likely to be on the easy side of good.
Quality on paper
Should Constitution Hill take his chance, he will meet several accomplished horses. William Haggas’s Al Aasy, a familiar figure in these middle-distance contests, was last seen running third in the Group Three Glorious Stakes at Goodwood. Kevin Philippart De Foy’s Ghostwriter also contested that race, finishing fourth, while Arabian Crown was a close second in the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket.
White Birch brings Group One form to the race and remains a notable rival. The depth of the entry underlines why Henderson is keen to see some give in the ground: a softer surface would suit some of the leading names and could influence whether connections opt for Windsor or fall back on the Kempton alternative.
Campaign planning and crowd considerations
Henderson said the team want to avoid last-minute withdrawals and will decide in good time so racegoers and organisers are not left guessing. Constitution Hill has attracted significant public interest and connections are mindful of supporters who will want to see him on course.
Whether at Windsor or Kempton, the upcoming run will be an important pointer for where the nine-year-old goes next on the Flat. Henderson accepts there are unanswered questions about how high Constitution Hill can climb in open company and the coming contest is intended to answer some of them.
What Goodwood readers should note
- The Weatherbys August Stakes entry includes horses with recent Goodwood form; Al Aasy’s Glorious Stakes run is of particular relevance to readers following festival form.
- Rain in the days before the race could meaningfully alter the make-up of the field and the racing surface; connections of several contenders are watching forecasts closely.
- Constitution Hill’s participation remains conditional: a decision is expected before the weekend to avoid late changes for racegoers and racecourse staff.
For followers of summer festival racing, the contest at Windsor offers an intriguing mid-season meeting point between established pattern-race performers and a popular ex-jumping star whose next move will shape his Flat campaign.
