Constitution Hill ‘WON’T go to Melbourne in a million years’ – Nicky Henderson also rules out Royal Ascot

With Constitution Hill’s second flat run setting off in just a few hours, talk is rife with where the former Champion Hurdler will go next.

Royal Ascot? Even the Melbourne Cup? He’s currently 16/1 with talkSPORT BET to win the huge race in Australia, but trainer Nicky Henderson has ruled BOTH meetings out.

PA

talkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Get up to £35 matched if your first best loses – CLAIM HERE*

Constitution Hill routed his rivals at Southwell last month for his flat debut.

Now the Grade 1 hurdler is set for a highly anticipated second run at Kempton this evening, in the Virgin Bet Novice Stakes set for the off at 7.30pm.

Which could point to where he will run next, with a whole scope of races and big meetings to aim at.

With jockey Ryan Moore now on board, he’s set to give key insight into what kind of route would suit the nine-year-old.

‘He won’t win either of those’

But the Melbourne Cup and Royal Ascot is not on the agenda according to Nicky Henderson.

Speaking to talkSPORT Henderson said in response to the Derby and Melbourne Cup hopes: “He wouldn’t he won’t win either of those, that I can tell you, he won’t go to Melbourne in a million years.”

He went on to explain: “I mean, I don’t think he’d want to be racing through the summer because the ground will get pretty quick you know he’s a big heavy horse he wouldn’t want very fast ground.

“There’s no race from it at Royal Ascot. He wouldn’t stay two and a half [miles] that I can be pretty sure about.”

Henderson added that he’s tentative about the evening run ahead: “We’re always nervous about it, because there’s very little to gain from this and an awful lot to lose to be honest with you.

“You’d say ‘why do it?’ I’m not quite sure why myself to be honest with you. We’ve got races in mind, he doesn’t need any experience, he’s been going around for five years!”

getty

Constitution Hill is well renowned for demolishing his competition.

In the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival in 2022, he beat Jonbon by a staggering 22 lengths.

And he kept that going in much of his career before his jumping unexpectedly went awry, without any explanation.

But changing to the flat, racing fans were thrilled to see him go clear of his rivals by over nine lengths.

When asked if Henderson could see that happening again he warned punters: “No I don’t. You never think that, I just hope we get away with this, he’s got a penalty.

“He’s got to do his own thing, he seems in good form and hopefully he can wander on.”

talkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Get up to £35 matched if your first best loses – CLAIM HERE*

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

*18+ New Customers. Opt in and bet up to £35 on Horse Racing (odds 2/1+) within 7 days. If your first bet loses get your initial stake back, up to £35 in Free Bets for any sports. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly