Consitution Hill leaves Newcastle disappointment behind with dazzling Southwell Win

Constitution Hill impresses on his flat racing debut after a turbulent few months over hurdles, in front of the Gosforth Park crowd. 

Constitution Hill was billed the star of the show at Southwell Racecourse on Friday night making a stunning switch to the Flat, after failing to get beyond the second hurdle at Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle in front of the Geordie crowd.

The former Champion Hurdler did not disappoint under champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy. Sent off the 6-4 favourite, he travelled consistently throughout, with Murphy allowing him to move smoothly down the home straight for the win nine and a half lengths clear of the runner up.

Trainer Nicky Henderson’s plan worked to perfection as the horse was welcomed back to winning ways after falling in three out of his last four runs over hurdles.

Although Constitution Hill is entered for next month’s Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, his immediate future remains undecided on whether he will peruse a campaign on the Flat or reclaim his 2023 crown.

“I couldn’t have dreamed that one up, I must admit,” Henderson said. “We probably should have sorted this about four years ago, shouldn’t we? It’s nice to be back with positive vibes, we’ve got lots to look forward to and lots of decisions to make.

Whether his future stays in the flat or he goes back to redeem himself over hurdles, Henderson was simply delighted that his stable star was victorious again.

“That was amazing. He was unreal.” said Henderson

A very enthusiastic Murphy said: “Everything went to plan and it’s great he’s got such a reception. I wanted to get in amongst them and give him an idea of what a Flat race was like because obviously his next assignment, if he runs on the Flat, it would probably be in a black-type race.”

After a turbulent spell, Constitution Hill’s emphatic Southwell success suggests the superstar may once again be ready to scale the heights.