Overview
- The decision to skip Windsor was announced on Tuesday after entries showed Constitution Hill for the Weatherbys August Stakes and forecasts suggested uncertain rain that might not soften the track enough for a turf return.
- Henderson said the choice was driven by ground concern and that Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore are likely engaged elsewhere so one of them may only be available for the Kempton meeting a week later.
- Kempton’s William Hill September Stakes is a Group 3 race and will be Constitution Hill’s third Flat start, moving him into Group company for the first time and providing a clearer measure of his ability on the level.
- Connections described the move as a way to avoid a late withdrawal for fans and rival trainers and to start shaping the horse’s autumn campaign, with further targets to be set after the Kempton run.
- Constitution Hill is the nine-year-old former Champion Hurdle who won two all-weather Flat races earlier this year, holds a Flat rating around 101, and will draw strong public and sporting interest when he next runs.