Nicky Henderson has indicated that former champion hurdler Constitution Hill may compete in Italy later this month, targeting the Group Two Gran Premio del Jockey Club in Milan on October 25. The nine-year-old horse, retired from jump racing after several falls, has transitioned to Flat racing this year, winning his first two outings before finishing fourth behind Pride Of Arras at Kempton earlier in October.

Initially, Henderson had considered British options such as the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot or the St Simon Stakes at Newbury for Constitution Hill's continued Flat campaign. However, he told a racing outlet that the connections are now leaning toward the Milan event, partly due to better ground conditions expected there. Henderson noted that he and owner Michael Buckley have long expressed a desire to travel with the horse to new venues. He also dismissed previous suggestions involving trips to Australia, characterizing the Milan plan as a more practical and enjoyable alternative.

The Gran Premio del Jockey Club carries prize money of €506,000 (approximately £434,000), making it an attractive contest likely to draw strong competition. Henderson acknowledged that the St Simon Stakes at Newbury, run on the same weekend, remains an option but confirmed the focus was on Milan.

Despite Constitution Hill’s age relative to typical Flat racing careers, Henderson anticipates continued competition beyond this year. He emphasized plans to return next spring and suggested that the Italian race need not mark the end of the horse’s current campaign.