Windsor ruled out for Constitution Hill, with all roads now leading to Kempton

Constitution Hill will not make an eagerly-awaited appearance at Windsor on Saturday, with Nicky Henderson delaying the late-summer return of his former hurdling king to Kempton Park the following week.

Windsor’s Listed Weatherbys August Stakes had been identified as the preferred option for the nine-year-old to take the next step in his fledgling Flat career, but the Seven Barrows handler had issued his concerns given the dry summer.

Although, there is the possibility of thunderstorms later in the week that would possibly turn conditions favourable at the Berkshire track, Henderson has decided to make an early call on Constitution Hill’s participation, stating he will instead run in the Group Three September Stakes the following weekend.

In a statement on X, Henderson said: “We all very much appreciate all the interest let alone the speculation as to Constitution Hill’s next race, but, between Michael (Buckley, owner) and I and all the team, we have decided, in order to avoid further uncertainty and any possibility of a late withdrawal, to wait for the September Stakes at Kempton a week on Saturday, as opposed to Windsor this weekend.

“There are, in fact, several factors apart from the ground that have influenced our decision. Having spoken to jockeys who rode at Windsor last night, and Charlie Rees (clerk of the course), who I know is doing everything to combat this dry spell, the chances of the ground being suitable on Saturday are highly unlikely.

“Kempton is obviously going to be a highly competitive Group Three, but we have got to start somewhere in order to find out where he belongs and establish an autumn campaign.”

Constitution Hill has been ridden by Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore in his two Flat appearances to date and while they would both be otherwise engaged this Saturday, Henderson is hoping they could prove available for Kempton, the scene of a memorable second Flat outing for the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner in March.

“We are hoping that one of the two jockeys who know him could be available for the September Stakes, which they are unlikely to be this weekend,” continued Henderson.

“We all think he is in excellent shape and although he will undoubtedly benefit from this run he is ready to do himself justice.”