Constitution Hill to wait for Kempton's September Stakes

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill's next start will come in the September Stakes at Kempton a week on Saturday rather than at Windsor this weekend. 

The nine-year-old was an emphatic winner of his first two starts on the Flat in late-winter, and had been considered for the listed August Stakes on Saturday, but Henderson has revealed that the 2023 Champion Hurdle winner's return will now be delayed by a week. 

Citing unsuitably quick ground conditions, Henderson wrote on X: "We all very much appreciate all the interest let alone the speculation as to Constitution Hill’s next race, but, between Michael & I and all the team, we have decided, in order to avoid further uncertainty and any possibility of a late withdrawal, to wait for the September Stakes at Kempton a week on Saturday, as opposed to Windsor this weekend.  

"There are, in fact, several factors apart from the ground that have influenced our decision. Having spoken to jockeys who rode at Windsor last night, and Charlie Rees (Clerk of the Course), who I know is doing everything to combat this dry spell, the chances of the ground being suitable on Saturday are highly unlikely.

"Kempton is obviously going to be a highly competitive Group 3, but we have got to start somewhere in order to find out where he belongs and establish an autumn campaign. We are hoping that one of the two jockeys who know him could be available for the September Stakes, which they are unlikely to be this weekend.  

"We all think he is in excellent shape and although he will undoubtedly benefit from this run he is ready to do himself justice." 

The Group Three contest has a rich history of winners, with Kalpana (2024) and Giavellotto (2025) following in the footsteps of Enable who won the race in both 2018 and 2020.