September 3, 2026: Huge anticipation as Constitution Hill returns
Constitution Hill is the 9/25.50 third favourite to win his third race of his Flat career, the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton on Saturday.
The 9-year-old was upwards of 10/111.00 in the antepost market earlier in the week, but with the defection of the 124-rated Bay City Roller at today's final declaration stage, Nicky Henderson's star is now less than half that price in a field of seven.
Former Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill will be ridden by rising jockey star Billy Loughnane, though despite being third favourite to win the race the combination look to have it all to do on official ratings.
Constitution Hill was given a rating of 101 after his two impressive flat wins earlier in the season, so not only will he have to defy a 164-day absence, he will also have to get the better of six rivals rated between 111 and 116 should he emerge victorious.
The 116-rated Gethin is the 6/42.50 favourite to win Saturday's Group 3 contest, just ahead of Tornado Alert at 11/43.75.
"Running in a race he can't win"
Despite the excitement and anticipation ahead of Constitution Hill's return, trainer Henderson said earlier in the week that he is "running in a race he can't win."
He was referring to the fact that he would likely be running off level weights against horses far superior in class on official ratings, but with the absence of Bay City Roller, who is rated 23lbs superior, Henderson might be a little more optimistic when he is undoubtedly asked about Constitution Hill's chance before the race, which is live on ITV Racing (14:50 Saturday).
And should the multiple Grade 1-winning hurdler make a satisfactory reappearance then his next race could be in the race that stops a nation, Australia's Melbourne Cup in early November.
Constitution Hill will have to improve on what he's shown so far if he is to even get on the flight to Melbourne, but we've already learned never to rule out anything with this popular racehorse. You can back Constitution Hill at 25/126.00 to win the Melbourne Cup.