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 new jockey Billy Loughnane. The nine‑year‑old former hurdling star, trained by 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 race on the Sunbury track represents a substantial step up in class and distance, and it will be the first true test of whether his early success can be sustained against seasoned middle‑distance runners. Until now, Constitution Hill’s flat campaign has been piloted by two of the sport’s leading riders – Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore – each delivering a winning effort.
The latest BHA entry list shows Billy Loughnane’s name paired with the Seven Barrows‑owned runner for the weekend, confirming a change of tack. Loughnane’s agent, Tony Hind, who also manages Moore, explained that Henderson was happy to allow the championship‑leading jockey to step aside for the younger rider. "Ryan was our first choice, but he’s currently engaged in the United States," Hind said. "We offered Billy, who is already scheduled to ride in the Sirenia Stakes, and Nicky gave his approval this morning." The field is headlined by George Scott’s dominant Coronation Cup victor Bay City Roller, who is using the Kempton race as a final preparation for a potential run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Saeed bin Suroor has entered the Group One‑winning Tornado Alert, with Oisin Murphy slated to take the reins, while the ever‑reliable Dubai Future also features among the contenders. Ralph Beckett will be represented by last year’s Great Voltigeur winner Pride Of Arras, and Owen Burrows‑trained Gethin joins the mix alongside Joseph O’Brien’s Small Fry. All fourteen entries will contest the mile‑and‑a‑half distance, making for a competitive and tactically complex race. Gethin, who disappointed in the Coral‑Eclipse at Sandown in early July, is expected to rebound this weekend.
Burrows remains optimistic that the horse will reveal his true ability ahead of a possible future targeting the Arc. Callum Rodriguez, who has guided Constitution Hill to each of his three career victories, is poised to return to the saddle. James Doyle is likely to be retained for the Wathnan Racing‑owned grey’s sprint campaign at Haydock later that afternoon, meaning the trainer will split his top riders across two high‑profile meetings. In a recent interview with Sky Sports Racing, Burrows offered reassurance about his horse’s condition: "He’s in good shape.
Callum sat on him last Wednesday because we thought James would be riding at Haydock for the Sprint Cup, and he was very happy with the horse." He added that the warm summer months had forced the stable to give the gelding a break, but that the weather for the Kempton contest looked favorable. "It’s been a bit frustrating having to hold him back during the hot spell, but we knew there would be no weather concerns for this race, and I’m looking forward to getting him back out," Burrows said.
Reflecting on Constitution Hill’s performance in the Coral‑Eclipse, Burrows noted, "He was fine after the Eclipse. If you look at the sectional times, the first four furlongs were quite demanding on a quickish surface, which is why we didn’t want to repeat that effort too soon." When asked about the prospect of facing Constitution Hill, Burrows was candid: "He obviously adds a nice dimension to the race and will make the gate more interesting, but as any trainer, my aim is to beat the whole field. If he’s in the race, he’s part of the competition." He also hinted at the longer‑term plan for the horse, saying, "Wathnan bought him with an Arc in mind, so if Saturday goes well I dare say that will be his next step." The William Hill September Stakes will therefore serve as a pivotal moment for Constitution Hill. A strong performance could cement his reputation as a genuine middle‑distance prospect and keep the Arc dream alive, while a lackluster run would raise questions about his ability to handle top‑class competition over the classic distance.
Fans and punters alike will be watching closely to see whether the former hurdling superstar can translate his early flat successes into sustained excellence against seasoned rivals. Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and post‑race reactions as the story of Constitution Hill’s Kempton test unfolds.