Backup plan at Kempton for Henderson’s dual‑code star
Constitution Hill could be rerouted to Kempton’s Group 3 William Hill September Stakes if wet‑weather concerns force a change to his scheduled appearance at Windsor later this month.
The former Champion Hurdle winner, trained by Nicky Henderson, had been pencilled in for the Listed Weatherbys August Stakes at Windsor on August 29 as his third start on the Flat. However, a prolonged dry spell and the prospect of variable conditions around the Windsor date have left connections weighing their options.
Why Kempton is under consideration
Kempton offers an immediate alternative: the September Stakes is run the following weekend and would provide an extra seven days to make a decision without disrupting the gelding’s current preparation. Henderson indicated that the option of waiting one week is preferable to running on ground that may not suit.
The Sunbury venue is already familiar to Constitution Hill. He has enjoyed notable success at Kempton over obstacles, including three victories in the Christmas Hurdle, and it was the scene of his second Flat outing earlier in the year when he ran under lights after his debut at Southwell.
Implications for the autumn programme
Taking in the September Stakes would represent Constitution Hill’s first venture into group company. The contest has provided a platform for high‑class performers in recent seasons and carries a straight route into pattern company for a gelding transitioning between codes.
Opting for Kempton would, however, make a trip to the Curragh for the Irish St Leger on September 13 impractical, given the proximity of the fixtures. Henderson acknowledged the compromise but noted that a third Flat run would broaden the options thereafter, including eligibility for handicap contests.
Connections’ position
- Windsor remains the preferred target, not least because the track benefits from watering and would therefore be less dependent on prolonged rainfall.
- Kempton provides a useful contingency; an extra week would not, according to Henderson, upset the horse’s preparation and would allow the team to choose the more suitable surface.
- Should the gelding run next at Kempton, it would narrow immediate international plans such as a late‑season trip, already mooted earlier in the summer, though Henderson has previously said various routes remain under consideration.
For racegoers and festival planners, the situation underlines how quickly plans for high‑profile runners can change with the weather and how flexible scheduling at closely spaced fixtures can help connections manage a horse’s transition between National Hunt and Flat campaigns.
Further confirmation of Constitution Hill’s immediate target is expected once the weather and ground assessments around the Windsor date become clearer.
