Constitution Hill entered in second flat run at Kempton as Nicky Henderson details plan for superstar

Constitution Hill is set to make his eagerly awaited second run on the flat after getting an entry into a novice contest at Kempton on Wednesday.

The Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle winner won his first ever flat race at Southwell in February.

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He stunned racegoers and punters with an easy victory under Oisin Murphy which also prompted plenty of excitement.

After the race, the questions arose on where Constitution Hill could go next?

Even a return to Cheltenham Festival was strongly suggested from many and considered by owner Nicky Henderson.

And with Cheltenham fast approaching, Henderson and owner Michael Buckley soon made their decision, announcing that Constitution Hill would retire from jumps racing and focus on the flat instead.

With a wealth of routes and races now open for Constitution Hill, he could be aimed at Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup in Australia or even other Group 1 contests in the biggest flat festivals in Britain.

In a bid to get the nine-year-old qualified into these races, Henderson told the Racing Post: “It’s not the practice he needs, but we’ve got to be getting ahead in trying to get him a handicap mark, so we feel it’s better to get it done this way.

“He’s got to have three runs, and we need them under our belt, because there are a lot of big handicaps we can be thinking about.”

As a result, he’s been entered into the £12,000 1m4f race which is set for the off at 7.30pm, April 25.

Henderson has also discussed the chance to see Constitution Hill in a Group 3 as soon as next month.

With a potential aim on Newbury’s John Porter Stakes which is an ideal location for the Lambourn-based Seven Barrows yard.

However, a new jockey will be required again for the eight-time Grade 1 hurdler as Murphy has a suspension effective from March 24-31.

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