Constitution Hill: 2023 Champion Hurdle hero romps home at Southwell to win on Flat debut for Nicky Henderson and Oisin Murphy

Constitution Hill: 2023 Champion Hurdle hero romps home at Southwell to win on Flat debut for Nicky Henderson and Oisin Murphy | Racing News

February 21, 2026:

Constitution Hill starred in a stunning performance when making his Flat debut in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell.

Nicky Henderson’s star was billed as the star of the show at the Nottinghamshire track and so it proved, with arguably the biggest name in National Hunt racing running on the Flat for the first time and, as he has done so many times during his career, leading his rivals a merry dance in what was a sensational performance.

Much-publicised falls over hurdles led to the Seven Barrows handler switching to the level on a fact-finding mission and with five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle, no stone was left unturned.

Drawn in stall 12 over a mile and a half for the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes, the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero – who was sent off the 6/4 favourite – broke nicely and was always well positioned.

Moving ominously on the turn for home, he simply cruised down the straight when Murphy shook just an inch of rein and the race was over.

In the end the winning margin was nine-and-a-half lengths from market rival Square Necker, with the packed stands cheering every stride.

A clearly impressed Murphy said: “He felt like a machine at home. Look, there wasn’t a lot of strength in depth in that race and if he was to continue on the Flat he’d have tougher assignments, but the feel was exactly the same.

“For a big horse that has been jumping, he has a lot of speed and he’s a joy to ride.

“Everything went to plan and it’s great he’s got such a reception. I wanted to get in amongst them and give him an idea of what a Flat race was like because obviously his next assignment, if he runs on the Flat, it would probably be in a black-type race.”

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