Constitution Hill was forced to accept a clear fourth‑place finish behind Pride Of Arras in his much‑anticipated third flat start at Kempton Park’s William Hill September Stakes. The Nicky Henderson‑trained superstar, who dazzled during his hurdling career, has remained a fan favourite since making the switch to the flat, but the Group Three contest proved a significant step up from his earlier victories at Southwell and his previous run at Kempton in February and March.
From the outset, the odds‑on favourite Gethin seized the lead over the mile‑and‑a‑half distance, while Billy Loughnane and Constitution Hill (quoted at 9‑2) settled just behind in a tight fourth position, still showing enough menace to suggest a late charge. Approaching the two‑furlong marker, Constitution Hill produced a brief flicker of hope, but it quickly became evident that he would not be able to join the leaders. Instead, it was the Ralph Beckett‑trained Pride Of Arras (11‑2) that surged to the front, repelling a late challenge from Gethin to win by a length. The Kempton outing had been a stepping stone for a potential Melbourne Cup campaign in the autumn, but after the defeat Henderson acknowledged that the Australian target was now off the table.
"Melbourne is gone now, sadly," he said. "Today was always going to tell us what we needed to do next, and I suppose he’s posing us another question now." Henderson went on to outline his future plans for the seven‑year‑old.
"I don’t think we want to go under a mile and a half, that is for sure, and 12, 13 or 14 furlongs seems to be the range we should target. I do think he will improve with a run – the way he got there suggested he was on the cusp – but from a furlong out he took a bit of a blow.
It will sharpen him up." He added that Constitution Hill will now be eligible for handicap races, opening the door to potentially lucrative contests in England, Ireland or elsewhere. "It will be interesting to see the reaction on Tuesday," Henderson said. "From two novice stakes of very differing strength and depth it was a big step today and we’ll now just wait to see what it does for his rating." The trainer remained optimistic about the horse’s future.
"We’ll find a nice race for him somewhere and he’s by no means finished yet, I can promise you that," he affirmed. While the Australian dream may have been dashed for Constitution Hill, the connections of Pride Of Arras are now looking across the Atlantic. After demonstrating his class on the Sunbury synthetic surface, the winner is being considered for a trip to Canada, where he could target the Canadian International.
Beckett praised his charge, noting his previous successes in the Dante and Great Voltigeur Stakes: "He’s a good horse and was good in the Dante and Voltigeur last year – a talented individual." Beckett also discussed the foot issues that have plagued Pride Of Arras in recent months. "He had a really bad foot problem that came to light just before the John Porter, and he wasn’t really ready when he ran against Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, but I had to run him somewhere.
I then thought he lugged out when second to Item in the York Stakes and was still thinking about his foot. He looked a million dollars before the International and hadn’t looked better. It was a great disappointment that we couldn’t run at York.
They loaded him at York before all the other horses had gone behind and I’d say he was looking at the horses walking towards him and that set him off." Regarding the Kempton surface, Beckett felt Pride Of Arras may have found it slightly deeper than preferred, but still believes the horse will relish a change of scenery. "I think there is a good chance he will really enjoy Toronto when we take him to the Canadian International," he said. On the broader impact of Constitution Hill’s performance, Beckett highlighted the importance of the crowd atmosphere. "It’s great that the crowds have come out and we’re in the entertainment business, but inevitably you have to worry about your own horse.
I’m delighted there is a crowd and it was a good race. The first two are good horses and Constitution Hill wasn’t disgraced," he concluded. The day’s racing card also featured a variety of other highlights, including Daryz’s sparkling rehearsal for the Arc, live jumps action from Bangor‑on‑Dee on Sky Sports Racing, and a strong showing from Friendly Soul in the Prix Vermeille. In the broader racing round‑up, Saddadd secured a Group One breakthrough, while Daryz warmed up for the Arc with a dominant performance in the Prix Foy.
Overall, the William Hill September Stakes provided a clear signal that Constitution Hill may need to be re‑routed toward longer distances and handicap opportunities, while Pride Of Arras has emerged as a serious contender for future international contests, particularly in Canada. The connections of both horses now face pivotal decisions that will shape the remainder of their campaigns this season.