Constitution Hill battles to fifth in Milan as flat journey continues, but what next?

One of horse racing’s most captivating modern sagas added another intriguing chapter on Sunday in Milan, as former National Hunt sensation Constitution Hill finished fifth in the Group 2 Gran Premio del Jockey Club at San Siro.

Stepping up into Group 2 company over a mile and a half following his eye-catching transition to Flat racing, Michael Buckley’s eight-year-old gelding lined up under jockey Rossa Ryan against an international field.

Dropped back slightly off the early pace, Constitution Hill travelled with his trademark enthusiasm and made a smooth, eye-catching move alongside eventual winner Stingray entering the home straight.

However, as the speed intensified inside the final furlong on good ground, the sheer stamina and tactical Flat speed of his opponents told.

While Constitution Hill was unable to land a decisive blow in the dying strides, he stuck to his task gallantly to cross the line fifth, beaten under five lengths-proving that his ability to compete in high-class Flat company remains well intact.

Full Result – Gran Premio del Jockey Club 2026

• 1st: Stingray 84/10
• 2nd: Global Health 172/10
• 3rd: Venetian Prince 32/5
• 4th: Dubai Honour 9/10 fav
• 5th: Constitution Hill 89/10

WATCH: Constitution Hill running 5th at the San Siro in Italy

Nicky Henderson Reacts: “He’s Run With Great Credit”

Speaking after the race at San Siro, trainer Nicky Henderson expressed pride in his superstar’s performance while offering clear tactical takeaways for his future outings on the Flat.

“He’s run a great race. He’s got bags of pace,” Henderson told Racing Post.

“It’s just the last 100 yards where he wasn’t going to finish off, and he wasn’t going to win from there. But he came into the race with the winner and he’s travelled really well.”

Henderson noted that top jockeys Ryan Moore and Oisin Murphy-both of whom have partnered Constitution Hill during his Flat campaign-had previously advised against pushing the horse beyond 12 furlongs.

Following Sunday’s effort, Rossa Ryan concurred, suggesting a drop back in trip on softer ground could unlock even more.

“Slower ground might just help him a little bit,” Henderson added. “Both Oisin and Ryan have said don’t go further than a mile and a half and I think we could afford to come back on a trip too… It is hard as you have a horse by Blue Bresil trying to keep speed with horses by Dubawi, it’s pretty amazing really when you think about it.”

“We’ll go and hunt the Paris programme book, I think. Look for proper soft ground… He’s 100 per cent, they’re now on their way home and we definitely have every intention of running again.”

⚫️⚪️ Nicky Henderson on Constitution Hill after his fifth in the Gran Premio Del Jockey Club:

“Rossa said you could easily come back in trip.

“We’ll go and hunt in the Paris programme book for proper soft ground.”

On running again this year, he said: “Oh, definitely.” pic.twitter.com/sbXZXatScD

— Ash Symonds Journalism (@ASymondsJourno) October 25, 2026

Where Constitution Hill Might Run Next

With Henderson and owner Michael Buckley reaffirming their intention to stay on the Flat before the close of the calendar year, all eyes turn to autumn fixtures across Europe:

French Autumn Programme (ParisLongchamp / Saint-Cloud): Henderson’s primary focus is targeting late-autumn Group or Listed races in France, where heavy and testing ground is commonplace. A drop back to 10 furlongs (1m 2f) or 11 furlongs on deep French ground is viewed as an ideal set-up.

UK Listed / Conditions Races: Should travel plans to France prove tricky, connections could seek out end-of-season turf opportunities or targeted All-Weather stakes back in Great Britain, where he remains unbeaten.

Future Jumping Status: While his focus remains firmly on the Flat code for now, racing fans haven’t given up hope of seeing the legendary hurdler return to National Hunt obstacles if the right conditions present themselves.

History of Constitution Hill’s Racing Career: Highlights and Lowlights

Constitution Hill’s trajectory from a point-to-point recruit to an all-time jump racing great-and his subsequent pivot to the Flat-is one of the most remarkable stories in modern turf history.

Jumps Career Highlights

Unbeaten Superpower (2021–2023): After finishing runner-up in his sole point-to-point start, Constitution Hill joined Seven Barrows and embarked on one of the most dominant hurdling runs in history.

He won his first eight races over hurdles by a combined total of more than 85 lengths.

Record-Breaking Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2022): Announcing his superstardom at the Cheltenham Festival, he demolished a top-tier field (including Jonbon) by 22 lengths in a track-record time.

2023 Champion Hurdle Stunner: Cementing his legacy as a generational talent, he strolled home 9 lengths clear of State Man in the Champion Hurdle, rendering Grade 1 rivals completely powerless. (watch below).

Grade 1 Sweep: Added dominant victories in the Tolworth, Fighting Fifth, Christmas Hurdle (twice), and Aintree Hurdle to compile a jaw-dropping jump record.

Jumps Career Lowlights & setbacks

Health Frailties & Illness (2024): A respiratory infection forced his withdrawal from defending his Champion Hurdle crown at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

Further ailments and a bout of colic plagued his training campaigns, keeping him side-lined for extended periods.

Punchestown Defeat (2025): Returning to action at the 2025 Punchestown Festival after over a year off, he posted his first defeat over hurdles when finishing fifth behind State Man in the

Champion Hurdle-a run that prompted connections to reassess his career path.

Constitution Hill Career In Numbers 🤍🖤

• Runs: 18
• Wins: 12
• Jumps Wins: 14
• Flat Wins: 2
• Career Earnings: £914,995

Flat Career Highlights & Lowlights

Explosive Flat Debut (February 2026): Making a stunning debut on the All-Weather in a 1m 4f novice race at Southwell, Constitution Hill streaked clear under Oisin Murphy to win by 9 1/2 lengths.

Back-to-Back Wins at Kempton (March 2026): Partnered by Ryan Moore, he backed up his debut performance by cruising to a 2-length victory at Kempton Park, showing a sharp turn of foot for a jump-bred horse.

September Stakes & Milan Debuts (Autumn 2026): Stepping into black-type Group company, he finished fourth in the September Stakes at Kempton before his brave fifth-placed effort in Milan’s Gran Premio del Jockey Club-proving that even at eight years old, his competitive fire burns bright across multiple codes.