Nicky Henderson has toyed with the idea of giving his stable star, Constitution Hill, a run on the flat for some time now. The Ascot Gold Cup is often brought up in conversation surrounding the nine-year-old, who hasn’t been the same in the National Hunt sphere since suffering from life-threatening colic.
His fall on reappearance at just the second obstacle in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle was the third time in four races—Champion Hurdle included—that Constitution Hill has taken a tumble.
While Henderson hasn’t ruled the sport’s biggest name out of another crack at the Cheltenham Festival just yet, his prep for the Champion Hurdle has taken a curious turn, with the veteran trainer finding Constitution Hill a run on the flat.
The Class 2 race at Southwell on February 20 has been moved forward by four days as part of Friday Night Live, a new initiative aimed at boosting the sport’s profile with a younger audience. Prize money has been increased to £40,000—a notable incentive from both a sporting and betting standpoint, particularly as the horse racing odds begin to take shape for what promises to be one of the most discussed mid-winter flat contests in years.
The question now is simple: who will ride Constitution Hill? Henderson will have no shortage of top-class jockeys willing to put their name forward, and the final decision may not arrive until much closer to race day. Here are some of the leading contenders.
Oisin Murphy
When a jockey of Oisin Murphy’s calibre is interested, it becomes very difficult to say no. A five-time and reigning British Champion Jockey, Murphy has consistently showcased the high-level judgement and balance that might make him an ideal fit for the dual-purpose superstar.
Few active riders on the flat possess Murphy’s tactical versatility—something that could serve Constitution Hill well should the race unfold at a helter-skelter tempo.
Murphy’s record at Southwell is strong, too. With a strike rate hovering around 17% and over £310,000 in total earnings at the Nottinghamshire venue, he represents both proven talent and relevant course intelligence. For Henderson, this combination could prove irresistible.
Ryan Moore
Ryan Moore brings a different allure altogether. The retained rider for Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien—arguably the most prestigious appointment in global flat racing—Moore remains one of the most respected and efficient race-readers in the sport.
His quiet, economical style and knack for placing a horse in the right position at the right time could complement Constitution Hill’s known ability to travel strongly before quickening off the bridle.
The complication is timing. Moore is seldom seen on the UK all-weather circuit in February, especially in 4YO+ Tapeta contests at Southwell. Still, the uniqueness of this particular storyline might tempt him into action. His strike rate in all-weather 4YO+ races over the last five seasons sits at a healthy 27%, but his course record is less compelling—Moore is 0-3 all-time at Southwell.
Whether that stat dissuades him or Henderson remains to be seen. If this becomes a “one-off spectacle” type of booking, Moore would be a headline attraction on reputation alone.
Robert Havlin
Robert Havlin has already offered some intriguing commentary on Constitution Hill’s impending flat debut. As he put it:
“I think everybody will be putting their hands up for the ride wouldn’t they? Nico de Boinville might get his dual licence out and ride him anyway!
He always looks like a horse that has got a high cruising speed… There’s been plenty of horses drop back from jumping to Flat racing successfully…
The only thing is sometimes Southwell can ride quick, the track can tighten up so I don’t know if that would possibly be a problem to him.”
Havlin’s familiarity with Southwell is a significant asset. With almost 600 rides at the course and a strike rate of 15%, he knows the track’s quirks, tempo, and layout better than both Murphy and Moore.
That situational knowledge could make him a pragmatic choice should Henderson prioritise adaptability over star power. And given how much attention will inevitably fall on horse racing results once Constitution Hill sets foot on the Tapeta, a steady hand with deep local insight may prove more valuable than the most glamorous headline booking.