The racing world is adjusting to a significant shift in plans for Constitution Hill, the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner. After a series of falls in recent races, including at Aintree and Cheltenham, trainer Nicky Henderson has announced the nine-year-ancient will transition to a career on the Flat, foregoing a defense of his Champion Hurdle title next month. The decision follows a successful debut on the flat at Southwell last Friday, signaling a potential new chapter for the celebrated National Hunt horse.
The move comes after considerable deliberation, with Henderson and owner Michael Buckley weighing the risks of continuing over hurdles. Constitution Hill’s recent struggles with jumping, coupled with his impressive performance on the flat, have opened up unexpected possibilities. The horse, previously a dominant force in the hurdle scene, now has a potential path towards races like the Irish St Leger and even the Melbourne Cup, according to Buckley.
At Southwell, Constitution Hill, ridden by five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy, started as the 6-4 favorite and delivered a commanding victory, winning by nine-and-a-half lengths. He finished ahead of Square Necker and Gambino. The performance, earning him a 106p rating from Timeform, demonstrated his adaptability and potential in a different discipline. Racing Post reported Henderson’s relief at finding a path forward that prioritizes the horse’s well-being.
A Change of Direction
Henderson explained the decision, stating, “He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields.” He emphasized the importance of considering the public perception and the potential consequences of asking Constitution Hill to jump again, adding, “It was a terrific night for both him, us, and I believe British Horse Racing and we are exceptionally aware of the public perception and the possible consequences of running over hurdles and feel it is not fair to question him and Nico to do it again.” Nico de Boinville, Constitution Hill’s regular jockey in National Hunt racing, will not be riding him in his flat career.
The transition to the flat isn’t without its complexities. While Murphy piloted Constitution Hill to victory at Southwell, De Boinville expressed reservations about a complete shift away from hurdles. The Irish Times noted the differing perspectives between the two jockeys, highlighting the ethical considerations surrounding the decision.
Cheltenham Farewell and Future Prospects
Despite the change in direction, Constitution Hill will not be entirely absent from the Cheltenham Festival. Henderson confirmed that Cheltenham has extended an invitation for the horse to parade on Champion Hurdle day, providing an opportunity for his National Hunt supporters to bid farewell. This gesture acknowledges the horse’s significant contributions to the sport over hurdles.
The potential for a long-term campaign on the flat, potentially culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, has sparked considerable interest. Buckley has indicated the Irish St Leger in September as a possible stepping stone towards the Australian race. Just Horse Racing reports that Murphy is keen to explore international opportunities for Constitution Hill on the flat.
Constitution Hill’s profile, as detailed by The Horse’s Mouth, shows he has primarily competed in Class 1 Hurdle races, with Nico de Boinville as his most frequent jockey (14 rides). His best average speed figure is 56.56kph, achieved at Southwell on February 20, 2026.
The decision to switch Constitution Hill to the flat represents a bold move, prioritizing the horse’s well-being and opening up new possibilities. While his future remains uncertain, the prospect of seeing this champion compete in a different discipline has generated excitement within the racing community. The coming months will reveal whether Constitution Hill can replicate his success on the flat and embark on a new chapter in his remarkable career.
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