Constitution Hill is poised to encounter a demanding assessment of his aspirations for top‑level races when he lines up for the William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park on Saturday. The nine‑year‑old former hurdling star, now under the tutelage of Nicky Henderson, will be guided by a fresh face in the saddle – 18‑year‑old jockey Billy Loughnane. Since making the switch from hurdles to the flat, Constitution Hill has been unbeaten, winning both of his starts at the new discipline. Those victories, however, came in relatively modest company, and the Group Three contest at Kempton represents a significant step up in class and distance.
The race, run over a mile and a half on the Sunbury track, will pit the young horse against a field that includes several proven Group performers, offering a true gauge of his ability to compete at the highest level. Up to now, the horse’s flat campaign has been piloted by two of the sport’s most experienced riders – Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore. The British Horseracing Authority’s entry list for the weekend, however, shows Loughnane’s name alongside Constitution Hill’s, confirming the change.
Loughnane’s agent, Tony Hind – who also manages Moore – explained the reasoning behind the switch. "Ryan was the first choice but he’s currently engaged in a race programme in America," Hind said. "We therefore offered Billy, who is already booked for the Sirenia Stakes, and Nicky was happy to give him the ride this morning." The opposition is formidable. George Scott’s Bay City Roller, a dominant winner of the Coronation Cup and now being aimed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, will be one of the main threats.
Saeed bin Suroor has entered the Group One‑winner Tornado Alert, with Murphy slated to ride him, while the ever‑reliable Dubai Future also lines up, adding further depth to the field. Among the remaining contenders are Pride Of Arras – the 2023 Great Voltigeur Stakes victor representing trainer Ralph Beckett – and the Owen Burrows‑trained Gethin, as well as Joseph O’Brien’s Small Fry, all of whom have shown the class to be competitive over the distance. Gethin’s recent form has been a mixed bag.
He was last seen tackling the Coral‑Eclipse at Sandown in early July, a race that left him looking a little off‑colour. Burrows, however, remains optimistic that the colt will rediscover his best form at Kempton, especially if the connections are targeting a future run in the Arc.
"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." Burrows admitted that the summer heat had forced the trainer to give the horse a break, but he believes the conditions at Kempton will suit the colt. "It was a bit frustrating having to sit him out during the hot months, but we knew there would be no weather concerns for this race and I’m looking forward to getting him back out," he added. He also noted that Gethin’s performance in the Eclipse had been hampered by a very fast early pace and quick ground, which is why they opted to wait for a more suitable opportunity.
Callum Rodriguez, who has ridden Constitution Hill to each of his three career victories, is expected to return to the mount for this race. Meanwhile, James Doyle is likely to be called upon for the Wathnan Racing‑owned grey in the Sprint Cup at Haydock later that afternoon, meaning the trainer will have to split his top jockeys between two high‑profile engagements. Burrows also commented on the impact of Constitution Hill’s presence in the field.
"He obviously adds a nice dimension to the race and I’m sure it will make things interesting at the gate," he said. "Like any trainer, I just want to beat all the opposition, so if he’s in it then he’s part of the challenge." Looking ahead, Burrows hinted at the long‑term plan for his horse. "Wathnan bought him with an Arc in mind, so if Saturday goes well I dare say that will be his next step," he explained, underscoring the ambition to see the nine‑year‑old contend on the European stage. The William Hill September Stakes will therefore serve as a pivotal moment for Constitution Hill.
A strong performance could cement his status as a genuine Group‑level contender and set the stage for a potential Arc campaign, while a disappointing run would highlight the gap that still exists between his current level and the elite tier. Racing enthusiasts and punters alike will be watching closely to see whether the former hurdling superstar can translate his early flat success into sustained excellence against seasoned middle‑distance specialists. For fans who want to stay updated on the latest developments, Sky Sports Racing offers continuous coverage, in‑depth interviews, and expert analysis across all major racing events.
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