Ryan Moore Joins Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill for Kempton Flat Race
Constitution Hill will return to the Flat at Kempton Park on Wednesday. The nine-year-old is among 10 possibles in the Virgin Bet Novice Stakes, scheduled for 7.30pm.
Race entry and opposition
Nicky Henderson has declared the former champion hurdler for the Kempton engagement. The field could include Sea Of Kings, trained by Harry Eustace and noted for finishing fourth in the Melrose.
Background and recent form
Constitution Hill won the 2023 Champion Hurdle. He fell in three of his last four National Hunt starts, prompting connections to switch codes.
His Flat debut at Southwell came last month. He won by nine and a half lengths in a notably quick time under Oisin Murphy.
Jockey booking and suspension
Oisin Murphy is currently serving a suspension for a whip regulations breach. As a result, Ryan Moore has been booked to ride at Kempton.
The change sees top riders involved as the horse targets a new career on the level.
Trainer plan and targets
Henderson said the campaign is not about giving the horse experience. The main aim is to secure a handicap mark.
Kempton represents the second planned run. Henderson has flagged the John Porter at Newbury on April 18 as a possible next target, three and a half weeks later.
Preparation and connections’ views
Nico de Boinville, who rides Constitution Hill regularly in exercise, sat on him at the gallops. He reported the gelding felt in good form.
Henderson also stressed that no one yet knows what rating Constitution Hill will receive. They will judge his mark only after more runs.
Filmogaz.com will monitor entries and confirmations ahead of the Kempton Flat race. Updates will follow as declarations are made.
