Racing Weekly: What next for Constitution Hill after Southwell stroll?

No matter how you feel about the horse or the event as a whole, Friday night was some occasion for our sport.

There were 3,500 people at Southwell, my X feed was going crazy, and it was all about one individual. This is what racing is all about – people going to racecourses to see top-class horses show just how special they are.

Going into Friday, this all felt a bit like a last-resort measure from Nicky Henderson. An air of desperation. The decision to skip Wincanton and head to the Flat did raise the question: what exactly were they trying to achieve?

It’s been a tough few years for Constitution Hill. He was off the track for an entire year between the 2023 Christmas Hurdle and the 2024 Christmas Hurdle – something that has almost been forgotten amid the more recent focus on his jumping frailties.

I think even some of the horse's biggest fans wouldn’t have expected him to do it quite as easily as he did on Friday night. He was sensational.

Being in the crowd, with everyone cheering and celebrating two and a half furlongs out, was a truly magic moment.

What’s the form worth?

Looking at the race, Square Necker is the only rival we can really assess in depth.

He was sent off 6/4 favourite on debut and finished third, pulling clear of the rest behind Bedouin Prince (rated 104) and The Cursor (rated 87), recording an RPR of 83 in the process.

He then went to Dundalk and won by 3¾ lengths from Nuit (rated 93), conceding 5lbs. However, the proximity of the 66-rated third, beaten only 4¼ lengths, does cast some doubt on the strength of that form – even if he did it comfortably to earn a revised RPR of 87.

It’s also worth noting that, in typical AMO Racing fashion, Square Necker has had three runs for three different trainers. So we probably haven't seen the horse at its best yet.

In conclusion, Constitution Hill has beaten what is most likely in time a 90s-rated horse on the bridle by 9½ lengths, although he did receive 5lbs in weight.

Where next?

My stance hasn’t changed. Unless there is very rigorous testing of the horse prior to Cheltenham – for example, public video schooling and BHA representatives assessing the situation – he shouldn’t be running over hurdles next month.

With animal welfare constantly under scrutiny, the sport is always under pressure to do what’s right for the horse. His falls haven’t been heavy crashes, but with such a high-profile star offering such a concerning recent record over obstacles, the risk feels excessive – both for him and for the sport’s image.

I am surprised by the reaction in the Champion Hurdle market, as a result. Winning a novice Flat race over a mile and a half should not see a horse shorten from around 8/1 to 5/2 favourite for a Grade 1 hurdle. Sentiment is understandable; value is another matter. As much as I would love to see him return and win, I wouldn’t be backing him at those odds for the Champion Hurdle.

For me, Henderson ran him to discover whether a Flat campaign was viable. He now has that answer – so it is time to pursue it.

I doubt he would stay the Ascot Gold Cup, but there are plenty of other opportunities over the next 18 months. The race that immediately comes to mind is the Irish St Leger. It most likely wouldn’t be run on the quick summer ground (which Henderson doesn’t seem keen on), while a mile and six furlongs race should well be within range.

Whatever comes next, racing has a hugely intriguing story on its hands that can only help the sport further in its pursuit of reaching a new generation.