The rejuvenated career of Constitution Hill takes its next step at Newbury this weekend as the nine-year-old was entered in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes. The son of Blue Bresil’s hurdling career came to an end after it was announced he’d miss the Champion Hurdle.
As one door shut, another opened as he put on a scintillating show at Southwell in a Novice Stakes. Constitution Hill travelled with plenty of enthusiasm, and took off in the hands of Oisin Murphy. That nine-length route was followed up at Kempton last month, though in less of a facile manner. The crowd didn’t witness the same demolition, but it was a comfortable two length win regardless.
An opening market of 101 was awarded, and now all eyes are on whether he can make it up in grade.
Convergent heads the market
Four horses sit above Constitution Hill in the market, with Convergent topping the field. The Fascinating Rock colt is 15lbs higher than Constitution Hill, and already a dual-group winner. His last win saw him beat Dubai Honour, who was a neck second in the Grade 1 Tancred Stakes at Randwick last month.
Newbury regular Al Aasy is likely to feature, and he won this race in 2021. Al Aasy has won two of his last three seasonal debuts, and is a seven time winner at this level.
Last year’s Great Voltigeur winner Pride Of Arras is also in contention to line up. The New Bay gelding won the Dante Stakes, before disappointing in the Epsom and Irish Derby. A subsequent gelding operation improved him, and a strong four year old career looks likely.
On the presence of Constitution Hill, Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said, via the Racing Post: “Constitution Hill changing codes has aroused much public interest and huge crowds. But the John Porter is a much stiffer test against the likes of Convergent and Al Aasy. With his price of this time reflecting that. This contest might determine if he continues in Group company or goes down the handicap route.”
A familiar face in Burdett Road could also feature against Constitution Hill. The pair have raced against each other twice, with Constitution Hill beating him in the 2024 Christmas Hurdle. Burdett Road was then second in the 2025 Champion Hurdle that saw Henderson’s charge come down.
The ground is currently good-to-firm at Newbury, which would raise an eyebrow over his participation. The track is watering today with 8-12mm of irrigation, but a forecast warm week would be against the Blue Bresil gelding.