Constitution Hill is set to encounter a significant challenge to his lofty ambitions on the flat when he lines up for the William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park on Saturday, this time under the guidance of a new rider, Billy Loughnane. The former champion hurdler for Nicky Henderson has been flawless since making the switch to the flat, winning both of his starts at the new discipline. However, the Group Three contest at the Sunbury course represents a considerable step up in class and distance, offering a true measure of his ability against seasoned middle‑distance performers.
Thus far in his flat career the nine‑year‑old has been partnered by top‑class jockeys Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore. For this weekend’s race the British Horseracing Authority’s entry list shows Billy Loughnane as the slated rider for the Seven Barrows‑trained runner.
Loughnane’s agent, Tony Hind—who also manages Ryan Moore—explained the change, noting that Henderson was happy to let the championship‑leading jockey step aside for his young protégé. "Ryan’s first choice was to ride in America," Hind said.
"So I offered Billy, who is already booked for the Sirenia Stakes, and Nicky confirmed this morning that Billy is fine to take the mount." The field will be headlined by George Scott’s dominant Coronation Cup victor Bay City Roller, who is using the Kempton race as a prep run ahead of a potential Arc campaign. Saeed bin Suroor will also be represented by the Group One‑winning Tornado Alert, with Oisin Murphy slated to ride, and the ever‑reliable Dubai Future will add further depth to the contest.
Among the remaining fourteen entries, last year’s Great Voltigeur winner Pride Of Arras will run for trainer Ralph Beckett, while Owen Burrows’ Gethin and Joseph O'Brien’s Small Fry are also expected to provide strong competition. Gethin, who last appeared in the Coral‑Eclipse at Sandown in early July, disappointed on that occasion, but Burrows remains optimistic that the colt will reveal his true form at Kempton, especially if the connections are eyeing a future run in the Arc. Callum Rodriguez, who has piloted the Wathnan Racing‑owned grey to each of his three career victories, is set to return to the saddle for this race. James Doyle is likely to be earmarked for the Wathnan stable’s Sprint Cup entry at Haydock later that afternoon.
Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone. Find out more. Burrows told Sky Sports Racing: "He's in good shape.
Callum had a sit on him last Wednesday because we thought James would be up at Haydock for the Sprint Cup and he was very happy with him. "It's been a bit frustrating we've had to sit on him during the hot months, but we knew we had no issues worrying about weather for this race and I'm looking forward to getting him back out. "He was fine after the Eclipse. If you look at the sectionals it was pretty hard for the first four furlongs and quickish ground as well, hence why we didn't want to go again on it." See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing.
On the prospect of taking on Constitution Hill, Burrows added: "He obviously brings a nice dimension to the race and I'm sure it will add plenty on the gate, but like any trainer I just want to beat all the opposition, so if he's in it then he's included in that. "It will be interesting, but I'm hopeful.
Wathnan bought him with an Arc in mind, so if Saturday went well I dare say that will be his next step."