Nicky Henderson is preparing Constitution Hill for the upcoming Premio del Jockey Club in Milan on October 25. The nine-year-old former champion hurdler has transitioned to flat racing and will compete for a prize exceeding £400,000. Constitution Hill returned to the track last month, finishing fourth in the September Stakes at Kempton, a run that Henderson says showed significant progress.

This season, Constitution Hill has had three flat starts, ridden by jockeys Oisin Murphy, Ryan Moore, and Billy Loughnane. Murphy will resume riding the horse in Italy, marking his first ride since Constitution Hill’s impressive flat debut at Southwell in February. Henderson noted the importance of careful planning for the trip, including securing a lunch reservation in Milan, highlighting the tradition of trainers and owners using such opportunities as part of their race preparations.

Henderson described Milan as a beautiful city with a well-regarded racecourse, expressing enthusiasm about the level of interest Constitution Hill is generating both locally and internationally. Ahead of the race, Italian media representatives are scheduled to visit Henderson’s yard, reflecting the high profile of the contender. Constitution Hill completed a gallop on Saturday which Henderson said went well, and Murphy is confident about his upcoming ride.

The horse will face competition from several well-rated contenders, including a couple rated 115 and one at 113, though all carry penalties, which Henderson believes will help narrow the competitive gap. He also pointed out that the timing of the race fits neatly between Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup, potentially avoiding clashes with some of the sport’s top international horses.

In addition to Constitution Hill’s flat-season campaign, Henderson is preparing his jumps horses for the upcoming season. Among those in training are Jonbon, Lulamba, Old Park Star, and Act Of Innocence, all considered key runners in his stable’s jumping division.