Constitution Hill’s Unusual Path Back to the Top
Constitution Hill, one of the most talked-about horses in British National Hunt racing, is poised for an unexpected but carefully planned switch to the Flat as part of his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed that the eight-year-old could line up in a newly created £40,000 mile-and-a-half novice contest on the all-weather at Southwell on February 20, a move designed to rebuild confidence rather than chase immediate glory.
The decision follows a frustrating spell over hurdles. Since returning to action, Constitution Hill has fallen three times in his last four starts, most recently in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November. Rather than rushing him back into another jumping assignment, Henderson has been keen to find a confidence-boosting alternative on the Flat, where the risks are reduced and rhythm can be restored.
A Race Created for a Star
Finding a suitable race proved difficult until a solution emerged through Southwell’s Friday Night Live programme. A brand-new novice event has been added to the card, meeting all the conditions Henderson had been searching for. The race will be jointly the most valuable novice contest ever staged on the all-weather, underlining its significance.
Henderson has described the opportunity as “perfect”, highlighting the importance of distance and timing. With the race run over a mile and a half and open to horses aged four and upwards, it offers Constitution Hill exactly what he needs at this stage of the season.
“The timing is excellent from our point of view,” Henderson has said, stressing that the aim is preparation, not pressure.
No Jockey Decision – Yet
While Nico de Boinville has been closely associated with Constitution Hill, no jockey has yet been confirmed for the Southwell run. Henderson has played down any concern on that front, suggesting there will be no shortage of interest in riding such a high-profile horse on the Flat.
What matters more is the wider objective. Henderson has pointed to past examples of jumpers benefiting from a Flat outing, recalling that My Tent Or Yours once followed a similar route before a strong Champion Hurdle campaign. In that context, Constitution Hill’s detour looks less experimental and more strategically grounded.
Cheltenham Still the Ultimate Goal
Despite the change in discipline, the Cheltenham Festival remains firmly in sight. Constitution Hill is among the entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, although the current betting suggests stiff competition, with stablemate Sir Gino prominent in the market and several Irish-trained stars also entered.
For Henderson, the Southwell run is not about headlines, but about giving his horse the best possible chance to return to the Festival physically sound and mentally settled. A smooth performance on the all-weather could provide exactly the platform required.
Why Southwell Matters
Beyond Constitution Hill himself, the race adds real prestige to the Southwell meeting. The presence of such a celebrated horse is expected to elevate the entire Friday Night Live fixture, drawing attention from both racegoers and viewers at home.
If all goes to plan, February 20 will mark a crucial chapter in Constitution Hill’s story: not a test of brilliance, but a measured step towards redemption.
