After he was not declared for the Group 3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, many will be questioning the Constitution Hill next run and where Nicky Henderson will send him.
Constitution Hill Next Run – Henderson Mentions 0-100 Handicaps
Nicky Henderrson withdrew Constitution Hill from the John Porter at Newbury on Saturday after walking the track on Wednesday.
The Seven Barrows handler was left with no choice, as he didn’t want to run the 2024 Champion Hurdle winner on ‘good’ ground.
He was speaking to the Racing Post:
“We’re not going to run him. I just can’t do it, and there’s no point in waiting any longer because the rain is not going to come in before Saturday. I walked the track with George and he said it’s only going to get quicker.
“It’s disappointing because he’s in great form. We’ll have a look and see. I’ll talk to Michael about what happens now. I’ve only just spoken to him abut what we’re going to do this weekend and I haven’t looked much further. There are a couple of 0-100 handicaps that he could come into after two runs because he’s rated 101.”
After making an unbeaten start to his flat career, the plan for a while was to run at Newbury. He has won with ease at both Southwell and Kempton and the next step was to move up in grade.
WATCH: Constitution Hill Wins At Kempton
What Could Be The Next Constitution Hill Run?
There aren’t lots of options going forward, especially with connections keen to avoid quick ground.
Henderson mentioned some 0-100 handicaps that Constitution Hill could run in, and we have the Northern Dancer Handicap (Class 2 0-100) at Epsom in June (1m4f).
Other handicap targets could be the Duke Of Edinburgh (1m4f) at Ascot in June. That race was won by Ethical Diamond last season.
If wanting to run in a July handicap, Haydock stage the Old Newton Cup over 1m3f.
The 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas take place at Newmarket next month but on the first day of the three-day meeting, the Jockey Club Stakes could be an option. But only if the ground has some sort of soft in it.
Henderson could also target the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes at Newbury – a month on from the John Porter over the same distance.
Most of these races at staged at Premier meetings, meaning it’s likely they will make the ITV Racing schedule.
Constitution Hill Career Profile
- Age: 9
- Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- Owner: Michael Buckley
- Sire: Blue Bresil
- Career Runs: 16
- Wins: 12
- Hurdle Runs: 14
- Wins: 10
- Flat Runs: 2
- Wins: 2
- Prize Money won: £909,903
