Constitution Hill made a successful transition to flat racing with an easy victory in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, the horse outclassed rivals to win by nine-and-a-half lengths as the 6/4 favourite. Trainer Nicky Henderson expressed emotional relief after the performance.
Constitution Hill, the champion hurdler, impressed on his flat debut at Southwell Racecourse. Sent off at 6/4 in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, the horse travelled powerfully under jockey Oisin Murphy and took the lead two furlongs out without being asked for his best effort. He pulled clear to defeat Square Necker by nine-and-a-half lengths, showcasing speed typically seen in his jumping career.
Trainer Nicky Henderson, visibly emotional, spoke to ITV4 after the race: "I think he’s enjoyed himself. Racing to go and do that for him is lovely because it probably hasn’t been as much fun as it should have been. He has enjoyed it, Oisin did and we did in the end." Henderson noted the win opens new options, including a potential return to the Champion Hurdle, though he cautioned against summer flat races. "It’s tears tonight but we’ve been through a few tears over the last year or so and it’s nice to be back with positive vibes. We’ve lots to look forward to and lots of decisions to make."
Murphy praised the horse's ability: "He felt like a machine at home and there wasn’t a lot of strength in depth to that race. If he was to continue on the Flat, he’s going to face tougher assignments but the feel was exactly the same today. For a big horse that has been jumping he has a lot of speed and is a joy to ride."
Owner Michael Buckley thanked the enthusiastic crowd in the winners' enclosure: "I’ve got to say when you hear people like this it makes me cry, it’s amazing. Nicky has always had this view that he was a special horse and today he has shown everybody."
The victory has solidified Constitution Hill's position as the 9/4 favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle with Paddy Power and Sky Bet.
