Constitution Hill will be the centre of attention when five runners contest the William Hill September Stakes at Kempton this afternoon.
The Group 3 contest, shown live on ITV at 2.50pm, is run over 1m4f on Kempton’s Polytrack. It is not the largest field, but the presence of one of the most famous National Hunt horses of recent years has turned it into one of the most interesting Flat races of the weekend.
Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old is unbeaten in two starts since switching codes. However, this is far harder than either of those races. Several of his opponents have already produced performances at Group 1 level.
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gethin | Callum Rodriguez | Owen Burrows | Evens |
| Constitution Hill | Billy Loughnane | Nicky Henderson | 7/2 |
| Pride Of Arras | Rossa Ryan | Ralph Beckett | 9/2 |
| Warrant Holder | Benoit de la Sayette | John & Thady Gosden | 13/2 |
| Dubai Future | Jack Mitchell | Saeed bin Suroor | 25/1 |
Odds correct at the time of writing and may change.
Constitution Hill Steps Up in Class
Constitution Hill began his Flat career with a nine-and-a-half-length victory over 1m4f at Southwell on 20 February 2026. He followed that with a two-length win over the same distance at Kempton on 25 March.
He was sent off at 1/7 that day and won without being fully tested. It was an easy success, but the level of opposition told us little about whether he can compete against leading Flat horses.
Today should provide a much clearer answer.
Constitution Hill receives no allowance from the younger horses and will carry 9st 7lb under Billy Loughnane. He is rated at least 10lb below every other runner in the field, with favourite Gethin rated 117.
That difference does not make victory impossible. Constitution Hill has not yet been asked for everything on the Flat, so his present rating may not show the full extent of his ability. His proven stamina and record on the Kempton surface are also in his favour.
The betting suggests plenty of people believe he can bridge the gap. After opening at 12/1 earlier in the week, he shortened sharply and was available at around 7/2 on Saturday morning.
Henderson has said that the purpose of this race is to learn where Constitution Hill belongs on the Flat and help shape his autumn plans. Although the trainer feels he will benefit from the outing, he also reports that the horse is ready to perform well.
Gethin Sets the Standard
The strongest form belongs to Gethin, who returns to the scene of one of his best performances.
Owen Burrows’ four-year-old won a Listed race over 1m2f at Kempton in April, beating his nearest rival by more than three lengths. He then ran an excellent race in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown, finishing just a neck behind Ombudsman.
His latest run in the Eclipse was disappointing, as he finished fifth and was beaten 15 lengths. However, the quick ground may not have suited him, and this return to Polytrack gives him a good chance to recover his best form.
There is a small question over the distance, but Gethin has previously gone close over 1m4f. He also has a clear ratings advantage and should be more comfortable at Kempton than he appeared to be at Sandown.
A strong performance could earn him a trip to France for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The Rest of the Field
Pride Of Arras is another runner with strong form. Ralph Beckett’s Dante winner finished second in the Group 2 York Stakes in July and should stay this distance, although this is his first race on an artificial surface.
Warrant Holder ran very well when second in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot. He is two from three on artificial tracks, but must put a poor performance at York behind him.
Dubai Future is the oldest horse in the field at ten. He won the Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May and finished third in Germany last time. He is proven over this course and distance, but must concede 3lb to the other five runners.
September Stakes Prediction
With Tornado Alert now a non-runner, Gethin has an even stronger chance of winning. His Kempton record, official rating and narrow defeat by Ombudsman give him the best form in the field.
Pride Of Arras now looks the main danger following a good second in the Group 2 York Stakes. Warrant Holder also has a chance based on his Royal Ascot form and strong record on artificial surfaces.
Constitution Hill must still find plenty on the ratings, but the smaller field should help. He can finish third, although his chance of taking second place has increased following Tornado Alert’s withdrawal.
Winner: Gethin
Main danger: Pride Of Arras
Constitution Hill prediction: Third
BETFRED
