Is Constitution Hill Ready to Make Waves on the Flat?

Constitution Hill, a prominent name in National Hunt racing, has amassed nearly £900,000 in prize money, yet will not compete in this year's Champion Hurdle due to concerns following three falls in his last four races. Transitioning to Flat racing, he showcased his potential with a commanding debut victory at Southwell, signalling a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Constitution Hill has officially been ruled out of any further jumps this season, including the prestigious Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival scheduled for 10 March 2024. Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley made the announcement after a period of reflection, marking a pivotal shift in the horse's racing career. The decision comes after a series of falls that raised concerns about his safety and performance under jumps. Instead, the nine-year-old will focus on Flat racing, where he recently made a successful debut.

Key takeaways

Constitution Hill will not compete in the Champion Hurdle due to safety concerns.
He has transitioned to Flat racing after three falls in his last four jump races.
The horse's successful debut at Southwell indicates a promising future in Flat racing.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Constitution Hill has seen its share of highs and lows. Below is a timeline of key events:

March 2023: Wins the Champion Hurdle, solidifying his status as a leading National Hunt horse.
2023 (various dates): Suffers three falls in four races, raising concerns about his future in jumps.
October 2023: Successfully debuts in Flat racing at Southwell, winning by nine-and-a-half lengths.
Future: Constitution Hill will parade on Champion Hurdle day, allowing fans to bid farewell to his National Hunt career.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement regarding Constitution Hill's transition to Flat racing marks a significant change for the horse and his connections. His recent victory at Southwell serves as a promising indicator of his future potential in this new discipline.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, Constitution Hill was recognised as a top competitor in National Hunt racing, having won 10 consecutive races. However, concerns over his safety following recent falls had begun to overshadow his achievements.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For racing enthusiasts and households invested in the sport, Constitution Hill's transition signals a loss of a star in jumps racing. However, his move to Flat racing may attract a new demographic of fans, potentially revitalising interest in the sport.

Businesses and jobs

As a well-known figure in horse racing, Constitution Hill's continued success in Flat racing could have positive implications for businesses involved in the industry, from training establishments to betting firms. Successful horses often attract increased attendance at events and bolster local economies.

Policy and regulation

The decision to retire Constitution Hill from jumps may prompt discussions regarding safety regulations in horse racing. The welfare of racehorses has become a priority for governing bodies, and this case could lead to further scrutiny of training and race conditions.

Numbers that matter

£900,000: The total prize money earned by Constitution Hill before his transition to Flat racing.
10: The number of consecutive wins he achieved prior to his recent falls.
9.5 lengths: The margin by which Constitution Hill won his Flat debut at Southwell.

Definitions and jargon buster

National Hunt Racing: A form of jump racing where horses compete over obstacles.
Flat Racing: A type of horse racing where horses run on a flat surface without jumps.
Champion Hurdle: A prestigious race in National Hunt racing, held annually at the Cheltenham Festival.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can look forward to Constitution Hill's continued development in Flat racing, with potential future races being announced in the coming weeks.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As he establishes himself in Flat racing, Constitution Hill could become a contender in major Flat races, drawing attention from both fans and sponsors.

Signals to watch

The announcement of upcoming Flat races featuring Constitution Hill.
Performance indicators from his training sessions and subsequent races.
Public and media engagement regarding his transition and races.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Constitution Hill's upcoming races to stay engaged with his career.
Support local events that feature Flat racing, which may benefit from his participation.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of Constitution Hill's transition; it could influence the future of racing in the UK.
Neglect the importance of horse welfare in racing discussions.

Checklist

Stay updated on Constitution Hill's racing schedule.
Engage with local racing communities to support the sport.
Monitor safety regulations in horse racing and advocate for horse welfare.
Consider the economic impact of racing events in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Constitution Hill's transition to Flat racing appears promising, uncertainties remain regarding his long-term performance in this new arena. Additionally, the potential for further injuries or falls must be carefully managed, as public perception of horse racing continues to evolve, particularly regarding the welfare of the animals involved.

Bottom line

Constitution Hill's shift from jumps to Flat racing marks a significant turn in his career. While it may be a bittersweet farewell to his National Hunt roots, this transition opens new opportunities for both the horse and his supporters in the UK racing community.

FAQs

Why is Constitution Hill not racing in the Champion Hurdle?

Constitution Hill is not participating in the Champion Hurdle due to safety concerns following three falls in his last four races, leading to a decision to focus on Flat racing.

What was Constitution Hill's performance in his last race?

In his recent Flat racing debut at Southwell, Constitution Hill won decisively by nine-and-a-half lengths, showcasing his potential in this new discipline.

How much prize money has Constitution Hill earned?

Constitution Hill has amassed nearly £900,000 in prize money throughout his racing career before shifting focus to Flat racing.