Even with Group 1 racing at Haydock on Saturday, many eyes will predominantly focus on Kempton this weekend. That is because Constitution Hill returns in the Group 3 September Stakes, a race won in recent years by Enable and Kalpana.

GG tipster Joe Napier previews whether the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero could be up to the task, and gives his verdict below.

2026 September Stakes Runners 

It is rare for a race to revolve so significantly around a horse who is not favourite. Yet in Constitution Hill, racing has an equine figure as close to transcending the sport as any horse in many a year. Nicky Henderson’s former hurdling superstar is two from two on the flat, his processional victory at Southwell followed by a convincing success over course and distance under a penalty. The step up to Group company is daunting and Henderson is not overly confident. However, he may still be downplaying the nine-year-old’s immense ability.

This may prove too tough a test for him against some established and progressive flat-bred horses though. One of those is Gethin, whose aim is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe next month. He disappointed in the Eclipse at Sandown, but had pushed Ombudsman close there previously. His only all-weather run saw him win the Listed Magnolia Stakes over 1m2f here in March. Rated 117, he sets the standard if fully seeing this trip out.

Alternatives abound, with Tornado Alert fourth in a Group 1 in Germany most recently after over a year off. He is one of two Godolphin runners for Saeed bin Suroor – the admirable and versatile veteran Dubai Future the other – and was a top level scorer on the continent last season in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis. With his fitness now assured, he has plenty of class, though again 1m4f could stretch him.

Pride Of Arras is useful on his day, but they tend to all come at York. He has something to prove away from the Knavesmire, where Warrant Holder was disappointing most recently. Owned by HM The King, he is worth another chance for the Gosdens, who do well in this race, as he definitely stays this far, with his Royal Ascot second in handicap company having been boosted when the winner, who he was conceding 5lb to, nearly took the Ebor. He also has two all-weather wins to his name.

The aforementioned Dubai Future surely has too much to do conceding 3lb all-round in this company over this trip. Almeric used to have form that suggested he was Group 1 material, but now looks shy of that standard and is up against it here.

2026 September Stakes Racecard

September Stakes Trends 2026

Here are some key trends for the September Stakes,including a significant one which Constitution Hill will have to overcome:

• No horse older than seven has ever won the September Stakes
• That said, only two four-year-olds have won the race in the past decade too
• Favourites have won six of the last ten renewals
• The Gosden yard have won four of the last six renewals in which they have had a runner

2026 September Stakes Tips 

There is little doubt Constitution Hill’s immense talent extends to the flat. However, winning a Group 3 at the first time of asking looks beyond him, especially in this field. Gethin sets the standard and should stay this far, but Warrant Holder is an interesting and progressive alternative. His Royal Ascot second has worked out very well and his below par York effort can be forgiven over 1m2f. 1m4f is more his trip and he has two all-weather wins already. The Gosdens know exactly what it takes to win this race with a variety of types.

FAQs

When and where is the September Stakes?

The September Stakes will take place at Kempton racecourse on Saturday 5 September 2026 at 2.50pm.

How can I watch the September Stakes on Saturday?

The September Stakes is live on ITV Racing at 2.50pm on Saturday.

When were the September Stakes tips published?

The tips for the September Stakes were published at 1.25pm on Friday 4 September.

Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.