Andy Newton

Constitution Hill heads to Kempton after Henderson abandons Windsor plan

by
Andy Newton
26 August 2026

Nicky Henderson has confirmed a change of plan for Constitution Hill, ruling the star nine-year-old out of Saturday’s Listed Weatherbys August Stakes at Windsor (29th August) in favour of the Group 3 William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park on Saturday, 5th September 2026.

Constitution Hill To Miss Windsor In Favour Of Kempton

The 2023 Champion Hurdle hero had initially been aimed at Windsor’s bank holiday weekend fixture for his next Flat start.

However, persistent dry weather and concerns over quick ground conditions forced Henderson, owner Michael Buckley, and team to make an early call to avoid pre-race uncertainty.

With the September Stakes at Kempton on Saturday 5th September now the preferred target for Constitution Hill.

Key Race Details & Reason for Decision

New Target: Group 3 William Hill September Stakes
Race Date: Saturday, 5th September 2026
Location: Kempton Park (All-Weather)
Previous Target: Listed August Stakes, Windsor (Sat 29th Aug)

Speaking on the decision, Henderson stated:

“Having spoken to jockeys who rode at Windsor and Charlie Rees (Clerk of the Course), who I know is doing everything to combat this dry spell, the chances of the ground being suitable on Saturday are highly unlikely.

“We have decided, in order to avoid further uncertainty and any possibility of a late withdrawal, to wait for the September Stakes at Kempton a week on Saturday.”

Autumn Campaign Takes Shape for Constitution Hill

The move back to Kempton sees Constitution Hill return to familiar turf-or rather, synthetic surface.

Unbeaten in his two starts on the Flat, he was last seen in March scoring over the exact course and distance at Kempton under Ryan Moore.

Henderson also cited jockey availability as a deciding factor, hoping to secure either Ryan Moore or Oisin Murphy-both of whom have previously ridden the horse on the Flat-for the September 5th contest.

The Group 3 test represents a step up in class as connections assess options for a potential autumn campaign, with a trip to Australia for the Lexus Melbourne Cup still under dream consideration.

Constitution Hill’s Flat Campaign So Far

After retiring from hurdling following a spate of unusual falls, Constitution Hill made a sensational level-ground debut earlier this year:

Southwell (Feb 20, 2026): Making his Flat debut in a 1m4f Class 2 Novice Stakes under Oisin Murphy, he cruised to a effortless 9½-length victory as the 6/4 favourite.

Kempton (Mar 25, 2026): Ridden by Ryan Moore in a 1m4f Class 3 Novice, he backed up his debut performance with another comfortable win, dispatching Classical Allusion by two lengths.

Winning as the red-hot 1/7 favourite.

Undefeated in two starts on the Flat, the former National Hunt icon has shown remarkable natural speed and class on all-weather surfaces, reigniting public excitement around his career.