Constitution Hill is set to make his first start on the turf since switching to the flat on Saturday and has been given an entry in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes.
Constitution Hill Given John Porter Entry At Newbury
Nicky Henderson’s star attraction has made the perfect start to his flat career with two wins at Southwell and Kempton.
However, this looks to be his toughest task yet when he heads to the John Porter Stakes at Newbury this weekend.
He will likely have to improve plenty from his Kempton start but at the same time, he should be more at home on the turf.
After his Kempton win, Constitution Hill’s handicap mark was revealed as 101.
WATCH: Constitution Hill Wins At Kempton
A PERFECT 2⃣ from 2⃣ 💫
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥, described by one enthusiastic punter beforehand as ‘the Ronaldo of Racing’, justifies cramped odds with the minimum of fuss under Ryan Moore.@sevenbarrows | @kemptonparkrace | @VirginBet pic.twitter.com/ul0cSdFzYN
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 25, 2026
Potential Constitution Hill John Porter Rivals Revealed
There’s no doubt that Constitution Hill will be popular with the punters once again this weekend, but his opposition is looking dangerous.
Two-time Group 2 winner Pride Of Arras is entered after winning last season’s Dante Stakes and Great Voltigeur.
Nine-time Group 3 specialist Al Aasy is also entered and could be one of the main players.
German Derby runner-up Convergent is given a reappearance entry as well, a horse who can go well fresh.
The likeable Bellum Justum is also among the entries and could make his first start since being gelded. Andrew Balding’s charge was a Group 2 scorer at Newmarket last season – and also won a Group 3 in America. Stablemate Eydon gets an entry too.
With two horses entered for Balding, Oisin Murphy may be unavailable to ride Constitution Hill after steering him to success at Southwell.
Burdett Road, who met with Constitution Hill in the 2024 Christmas Hurdle holds and entry and could get revenge after a few runs in the Middle East over the winter.
You’ll be able to watch the race live on the ITV Racing schedule this weekend. Newbury will be acompanied by the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr.
John Porter Stakes Full Entries
- Al Aasy (William Haggas)
- Bellum Justum (Andrew Balding)
- Beset (Joseph O’Brien)
- Burdett Road (James Owen)
- Constitution Hill (Nicky Henderson)
- Convergent (Karl Burke)
- Eydon (Andrew Balding)
- Lion’s Pride (John & Thady Gosden)
- Phantom Flight (George Scott)
- Pride Of Arras (Ralph Beckett)
- Tenability (William Haggas)
Recent John Porter Winners – Can Constitution Hill Follow?
- 2025 – Divina Grace 14/1 (Andrew Balding)
- 2024 – Hamish 5/2 (William Haggas)
- 2023 – Grand Alliance 18/1 (Charlie Fellowes)
- 2022 – Max Vega 9/2 (Ralph Beckett)
- 2021 – Al Aasy 6/4 (William Haggas)
- 2020 – NO RACE
- 2019 – Marmelo 7/1 (Hughie Morrison)
- 2018 – Defoe 5/4 (Roger Varian)
- 2017 – Muntahaa 9/2 (John Gosden)
- 2016 – Dartmouth 3/1 (Sir Michael Stoute)
- 2015 – Arab Spring 11/4 (Sir Michael Stoute)
