Constitution Hill’s prospects of competing in the Melbourne Cup were effectively ended after the nine-year-old hurdler suffered a nosebleed following his first defeat on the Flat, finishing fourth in the Group Three September Stakes at Kempton. The performance signaled a pivotal moment in assessing the horse’s future racing plans.

Trainer Nicky Henderson, speaking to ITV Racing after the race, indicated that the effort raised questions about the optimal distance for Constitution Hill on the Flat. “We always said today was going to tell us what to do next,” Henderson said. He suggested that the horse might struggle at distances shorter than a mile and a half, noting that races between 12 and 14 furlongs appear more appropriate.

Henderson also pointed out that the result would influence the horse’s handicap rating, which could open opportunities for Constitution Hill to compete in lucrative handicap events. “He’s going to be eligible for a handicap mark and it’ll be interesting to see the reaction to that,” the trainer added.

Constitution Hill’s nosebleed after the September Stakes has effectively ruled out a tilt at the Melbourne Cup, one of the most prestigious long-distance Flat races held annually in Australia. The horse had shown significant promise as a hurdler, but the transition to Flat racing remains a work in progress. The injury and race outcome will likely prompt connections to recalibrate plans for constitution Hill’s remaining campaigns.