Nicky Henderson has resorted to plan B with Constitution Hill (Blue Bresil), with the one-time outstanding hurdler set to continue his Flat career in the G3 William Hill September Stakes at Kempton after being ruled out of an intended appearance at Windsor on Saturday.
The Weatherbys August Stakes had been identified as the preferred option for Constitution Hill, with the nine-year-old featuring among 19 confirmations for that Listed contest published on Monday.
The prospect of fast ground at the weekend has forced Henderson into a rethink, however, and Windsor's loss is set to be Kempton's gain after the September Stakes on Saturday, September 5 was confirmed as the next port of call for one of the most popular horses in training.
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 3, but we have got to start somewhere in order to find out where he belongs and establish an autumn campaign.”
Unbeaten in two starts on the Flat, Constitution Hill was last sighted on a racecourse in March when winning a novice event over the same course and distance as the September Stakes.
He was ridden on that occasion by Ryan Moore, who is in the frame to continue the association in the September Stakes, likewise Oisin Murphy, the successful pilot when Constitution Hill kicked off his Flat career in style with an impressive victory at Southwell in February.
Henderson added, “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.
“We all think he is in excellent shape and, although he will undoubtedly benefit from this run, he is ready to do himself justice.”
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