Constitution Hill Eyes Group 3 Glory – How Far Can Racing's Star Horse Go?

Two From Two On The Flat

Constitution Hill cruised to a two-length victory at Kempton under Ryan Moore, making it a perfect start to life on the Flat.

The 1/7 favourite settled in fifth before Moore switched off the rail and eased him to the front, winning with his ears pricked without ever coming off the bridle. 

It was a less visually spectacular display than his nine-and-a-half-length Southwell debut under Oisin Murphy, but it showed the ability to win a tactical, slowly-run race - arguably a more encouraging sign.

An extra 1,000 racegoers went through the Kempton gates that evening, a reminder of the enormous public affection for this horse.

Champion Hurdler To Flat Convert

Bred by Sally Noott in Worcestershire and sired by Blue Bresil, Constitution Hill was purchased by owner Michael Buckley and sent to Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard after winning a point-to-point in Ireland in April 2021. 

What followed was one of the most electrifying sequences in modern National Hunt history: ten consecutive victories over hurdles between December 2021 and January 2025, including eight Grade 1 wins, the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (by 22 lengths, in a course-record time), and the 2023 Champion Hurdle.

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Tony McCoy called him “the horse of a generation,” and Timeform gave him a novice rating of 177p – the highest ever recorded.

Then things fell apart. Constitution Hill fell in the 2025 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham as the 1/2 favourite, fell again in the Aintree Hurdle a month later, and managed only a dispiriting fifth at Punchestown. 

When he fell for the third time in four outings in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November 2025, Henderson admitted the horse had become “predictable at falling over” and that a decision had to be made about his future.

Why Did Constitution Hill Switch Codes?

Henderson described the decision as “50/50,” with fan opinion split right down the middle. 

Ultimately, he and Buckley concluded it was no longer fair to ask Constitution Hill or jockey Nico de Boinville to race over hurdles given the falling pattern. 

His Flat debut at Southwell on 20 February removed any doubt about the switch: he demolished a novice field by nine and a half lengths under Oisin Murphy, earning a Timeform rating of 106P. 

Within days, Henderson confirmed the hurdling career was over, though the horse paraded at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival to acknowledge his fans.

What Do The Bookmakers Think?

Star Sports have been the more bullish of the betting sites to price Constitution Hill specials, offering 9/2 for a Group 3, 6/1 for a Group 2 and 12/1 for a Group 1 in 2026. 

Managing Director Flynn Goward said the transition has been “seamless” and pointed to the Group 3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury next month as a realistic first opportunity.

William Hill took a more cautious view, easing Constitution Hill to Evens (from 8/11) for any Group success and 12/1 (from 8/1) for a Group 1. 

Spokesperson Lee Phelps said the Kempton win was decisive but “didn’t scream Group winner in-waiting,” adding that they are “not convinced he’s quite up to winning at the top level based on what he’s done so far.” 

That split in opinion is what makes this such a fascinating betting story.

Can Constitution Hill Win A Group Race?

The honest answer is nobody knows yet, and that is exactly what makes this story so compelling. 

In his favour, he possesses a devastating turn of foot, settles beautifully in behind a pace and Ryan Moore’s suggestion that there is “plenty more improvement to come” should not be taken lightly. 

Against him is the simple reality that he is a nine-year-old competing against horses bred and trained specifically for the Flat from birth, and two novice wins on all-weather tracks against modest fields is a long way from Group level. 

At 4/1 with Star Sports for a Group 3, the price feels fair, while Evens with William Hill and other betting apps for any Group success looks the more interesting play if you believe the John Porter will tell us a lot more about his true ability.

Constitution Hill Career Record: Key Results

Constitution Hill Flat Racing: What Comes Next?

The John Porter at Newbury on April 18 looks the obvious next step, with Moore likely to retain the ride, given Murphy is serving a whip ban. 

Beyond that, a mid-season break followed by an autumn campaign on softer ground could see targets such as the Long Distance Cup at Ascot or the Champion Stakes come into play.

Henderson summed up the mood after Kempton: “At least we are finding something that, as a nine-year-old, he can enjoy. It’s wonderful that people want to enjoy him with us.” 

Whether he reaches Group level remains to be seen, but after two smooth Flat wins, few would bet against him giving it a serious go.

How far do you think Constitution Hill go in his Flat racing career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!