Constitution Hill is set to encounter a significant challenge to his lofty aspirations on the flat when he lines up for the William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park this Saturday. The nine‑year‑old former hurdling star will be partnered by a fresh face in the saddle, 18‑year‑old jockey Billy Loughnane, marking a notable change in his recent campaign.
Since making the switch from jumps to the flat, Constitution Hill has been flawless, winning both of his starts at the new discipline. Those victories, however, have come in relatively modest company, and the Group Three contest at Kempton represents a substantial step up in class and distance.
The race, run over a mile and a half on the Sunbury track, will pit the former Nicky Henderson superstar against a field that includes several proven Group performers, making it a true litmus test for his big‑race ambitions. Up to this point, the horse has been ridden by top‑level flat jockeys Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore, both of whom have a reputation for delivering strong performances on high‑profile horses.
The decision to hand the reins to Loughnane was confirmed by his agent, Tony Hind, who also manages Moore. Hind explained that the original plan was to have Ryan Moore aboard, but Moore’s commitments in the United States meant the trainer had to look elsewhere.
"His first choice was Ryan, who is riding in America," Hind said. "So I offered him Billy, who is definitely there riding in the Sirenia Stakes, and Nicky confirmed this morning he was fine for Billy to ride." The opposition is formidable.
Leading the pack is George Scott’s Bay City Roller, a dominant winner of the Coronation Cup who is now being aimed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later in the season. Saeed bin Suroor has entered his Group One‑winning Tornado Alert, with Oisin Murphy slated to ride, while the ever‑reliable Dubai Future also features among the entries. Adding depth to the field is Pride Of Arras, the 2023 Great Voltigeur Stakes winner trained by Ralph Beckett, and the Owen Burrows‑trained Gethin, who has shown promise despite a disappointing run in the Coral‑Eclipse at Sandown in early July.
Burrows remains optimistic about Gethin’s prospects, suggesting that the horse may yet reveal his true ability over the longer distance and softer ground that Kempton can provide. "He's in good shape," Burrows told Sky Sports Racing. "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." Callum Rodriguez, who has guided Constitution Hill to each of his three career victories, is expected to be back aboard for the Kempton start. The trainer, James Doyle, is likely to be earmarked for the Sprint Cup at Haydock later that afternoon, meaning Rodriguez will have a full day of riding duties. The continuity of the partnership between Rodriguez and Constitution Hill has been a key factor in the horse’s early flat success, and both trainer and jockey are eager to prove that the chemistry can translate to a higher‑level test. The race will also be a crucial indicator for the Wathnan Racing ownership group, who purchased Constitution Hill with an eye toward the Arc.
"Wathnan bought him with an Arc in mind, so if Saturday went well I dare say that will be his next step," Burrows added. The trainer emphasized that while Constitution Hill adds a compelling dimension to the field, his primary goal remains to beat all comers, regardless of who is in the mix. In summary, the William Hill September Stakes offers a perfect platform for Constitution Hill to demonstrate whether his early flat triumphs were merely a flash of brilliance or the beginning of a genuine top‑class career.
The combination of a new, promising jockey, a step up in class, and a field stacked with proven Group performers makes for an intriguing contest that will be closely watched by punters and racing enthusiasts alike. Whether the nine‑year‑old can sustain his unbeaten run against such seasoned opposition will shape the narrative of his flat campaign and potentially set the stage for an ambitious Arc bid later in the year.