Constitution Hill Secures Second Consecutive Victory on the Flat Track with Ryan Moore in the Saddle

Kempton Park buzzed with anticipation under the floodlights on Wednesday evening as Constitution Hill, the former superstar of National Hunt racing, delivered another polished performance to claim his second straight win on the Flat. The nine-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Michael Buckley, powered to a comfortable two-length success in a 1m4f novice stakes on the all-weather surface, confirming that his transition from hurdles to the level track is proving both smooth and promising.

Ridden this time by the elite jockey Ryan Moore, Constitution Hill started as the overwhelming 1-7 favourite. He settled comfortably in fifth place for much of the race behind a moderate pace. As the field turned for home, Moore asked the question, and the response was immediate and authoritative. Under skillful hands-and-heels riding, the big bay quickened smartly, surging past his main market rival, the unexposed Andrew Balding-trained Classical Allusion, with a furlong to run.

He crossed the line with plenty in hand, leaving Keep It Cool in third and delighting the crowd that had turned out to witness the star’s latest chapter.

“This is a completely different test for Constitution Hill,” commented one expert trackside, highlighting how the superstar’s second performance on the Flat represented a fresh challenge compared to his dominant hurdles career. Gone were the towering leaps and the high-stakes drama of Cheltenham; instead, the focus was on rhythm, stamina, and tactical positioning on a synthetic surface under lights. Constitution Hill passed the examination with flying colours, suggesting that the switch could open exciting new doors for a horse once considered unbeatable over obstacles.

The victory builds directly on his impressive Flat debut at Southwell in February, where he stormed home by nine-and-a-half lengths under Oisin Murphy in the SBK Road to Cheltenham Novice Stakes. That first success on the level came after a difficult period over fences. Constitution Hill had won his first ten races over hurdles, including a dominant victory in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival, where he established himself as one of the most talented hurdlers of his generation.

However, three falls in his final four starts over jumps raised concerns about his jumping technique and confidence, prompting connections to explore a new avenue on the Flat.

Henderson, ever the master trainer, orchestrated the move with characteristic patience. The all-weather tracks at Southwell and now Kempton have provided a safer, more forgiving environment while allowing the horse to showcase his natural athleticism and cruising speed. At Kempton, the son of Blue Bresil out of a Presenting mare demonstrated not just raw talent but also a professional attitude. He handled the race like a seasoned campaigner, conserving energy early before producing a decisive turn of foot when it mattered.

Ryan Moore, who has partnered some of the greatest horses in recent decades, was full of praise afterwards. “He’s a gentleman,” Moore said of the nine-year-old. “I think the horse has enjoyed his runs on the Flat. He moved well and I think there’s a bit more improvement to come from him, so I’d say they’ll be happy with that.” Moore’s assessment carried weight; the jockey noted how Constitution Hill settled kindly and quickened with minimal urging, signs of a horse relishing his new discipline rather than merely tolerating it.

For connections, the result marks a significant morale boost. Owner Michael Buckley has spoken optimistically about long-term ambitions, with whispers of an audacious tilt at the Melbourne Cup in November gaining traction in racing circles. While that remains a distant target, the progressive nature of these two Flat wins—first a dominant demolition at Southwell, now a more measured but equally convincing success at Kempton—suggests the horse retains the class and physical scope to compete at the highest level on the level.

Constitution Hill’s transformation has captivated the racing public. Once a hurdling phenomenon who made rivals look ordinary, he now faces the different demands of Flat racing: sustained stamina over middle distances, adaptation to synthetic surfaces, and the tactical nuances of races without the punctuation of fences. Experts point out that his pedigree and physique—powerful yet athletic—lend themselves well to this new path. The moderate pace at Kempton allowed him to demonstrate tactical versatility, sitting off the leaders before striking late with authority.

Classical Allusion, a promising prospect from Balding’s yard sired by Ulysses, represented the strongest opposition on paper but could never match the gears of the favourite once Moore pressed the button. The runner-up ran a solid race in defeat, providing a useful benchmark that underlined just how much ability Constitution Hill still possesses at the age of nine. In racing, age is often a barrier, yet this gelding continues to defy expectations, looking every bit the elite performer.

The broader context of Constitution Hill’s career adds depth to the story. His fall from grace over jumps was as sudden as his rise had been meteoric. After that brilliant Champion Hurdle success, many predicted multiple titles and a place among the all-time greats. Instead, jumping frailties intervened. The decision to switch codes was bold but, on current evidence, inspired. It has not only revived the horse’s competitive edge but also reignited interest in a talent that many feared might be lost to injury or retirement.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has managed the transition meticulously, ensuring the horse’s confidence has been rebuilt step by step. The choice of all-weather surfaces for these initial outings minimizes risk while maximising the chance to build fitness and racecraft. With two wins from two starts on the Flat now secured, the next steps will be intriguing. Will connections target higher-grade handicaps or listed events on turf as the summer approaches? Or will they keep options open on the synthetic circuit?

Racing insiders suggest there is “plenty more improvement to come,” as Moore indicated. Constitution Hill’s cruising speed and ability to quicken off a steady gallop are hallmarks of a high-class performer. His temperament—described repeatedly as that of a “gentleman”—makes him a pleasure to train and ride, an important factor as he adapts to new surroundings and different race conditions.

For punters and fans alike, Wednesday’s result at Kempton reinforced his status as a horse worth following. The atmosphere under the lights was electric, with spectators drawn by the chance to see a former Champion Hurdler in action on the Flat. His easy victory delivered exactly what they hoped for: confirmation that the superstar still has plenty to offer.

As the Flat season gathers momentum, Constitution Hill stands as a fascinating case study in reinvention. From the thunder of Cheltenham’s hurdles to the controlled power of Kempton’s all-weather, he has shown remarkable adaptability. Whether this path ultimately leads to Royal Ascot, international targets, or even that long-shot Melbourne Cup dream, one thing is clear: the horse once known for dominating over jumps is now carving out a compelling new legacy on the level.

With Ryan Moore’s polished handling and Henderson’s expert guidance, Constitution Hill’s second consecutive Flat victory feels less like a novelty and more like the beginning of something substantial. The racing world will be watching closely to see how far this talented gelding can travel in his reinvented career. Two wins down, many more chapters likely to come.