Constitution Hill ran out a commanding winner at Kempton on Wednesday evening, as the former star hurdler continues to thrive in his new lease of life on the flat. After his Southwell route, the anticipation was rife regarding his next step. Supposedly an extra 1000 racegoers flocked to Kempton to see the star. They were duly rewarded as he flew up the Kempton straight, demonstrating a smart turn of foot.
The son of Blue Bresil settled in midfield, travelling comfortably under Ryan Moore. There was never a moment of doubt, as he came home strongly under hands and heels. Speaking to Racing TV after the race, Ryan Moore said: “He’s a gentleman and I think the horse is enjoying his runs on the Flat. He moves really well and I think there will be plenty more improvement to come. He went to the line with his ears pricked.
When asked about the heights he can achieve, Moore continued: “We don’t know that yet, he will tell us. We will know more on his next one. I think he’s very comfortable at 12 (furlongs). (It was a ) slowly-run race, but it’s fine.” Plenty has been deliberated regarding his trip, with Cup races pondered. However, he appears more than suited to the intermediate distance.
“There’s a lot of relief” – Nicky Henderson
It’s been a tough week for Seven Barrows, as the team sadly lost Sir Gino. He was destined to go to the very top, but unfortunately succumbed to an infection in his right hind leg. Constitution Hill provided something of a much needed tonic for Nicky Henderson, who said: “I think the main thing I liked is that Ryan said the horse is enjoying himself a lot. I think that’s important because he’s had a year of not enjoying his racing terribly and you can understand why, and if he’s enjoying that then that’s great for us.”
Henderson also made note of the trip, on Ryan Moore’s suggestion.
“He thinks that the mile and a half is as far as he needs to go. He can go further, yes, and he’s deceptive in his size and he looked big today too. I think that is about the right trip anyway, we will have a sit down and have a think. It’s great, it’s over anyway and that’s the main thing.
“There’s a lot of relief. It’s been a funny old few days and one of his sparring partners who was here at Christmas isn’t here anymore. He’s not slow, on a sharp track like this he seems to handle it well. It’s a different sport to be honest with you, compared to two miles at Cheltenham. He’s pretty adaptable.”
It was a joy to witness Constitution Hill back up his Southwell success. The racing world can now eagerly look forward to a fruitful flat campaign.