Constitution Hill could be set for a clash with one of the most popular Flat horses in training, after William Haggas indicated Hamish might kick-start his season in the John Porter at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson suggested a trip to his local track for their Group Three event on April 18 was his “favourite option” after the nine-year-old once again dazzled under the all-weather floodlights at Kempton on Wednesday evening.
It would represent a first move into deeper waters for Constitution Hill in his Flat expedition, and the Somerville Lodge team plan to be strongly represented in opposition, with as well as 2024 race winner Hamish, the Newmarket operation also having the likes of Group-race veteran Al Aasy up their sleeve.
Haggas said: “The plan is to certainly run Hamish if the ground is soft and Al Aasy if the ground is drier and we’ve got a couple of others who could potentially go there.
“They won’t all go, but it will depend on the ground who does. If the ground is soft or worse, Hamish will be.”
Constitution Hill’s belated switch to the level has brought extra intrigue and interest to the Flat just as the new turf season gets under way and while there is no doubting he is one of the sport’s biggest draws, Hamish is not without his own legion of supporters due to longevity and a definite touch of class.
Formally owned by the trainer’s late father Brian and ridden daily by his wife, Maureen, it is no surprise that Haggas is chairman of Hamish’s fan club and he would relish seeing the now 10-year-old go toe-to-toe with the former Champion Hurdle winner.
“Hamish is as popular as you get I think on the Flat and what a marvellous horse Constitution Hill is,” continued Haggas.
“Hamish is 10 now so it will be like two old boys going round together. It would be good fun and that is what racing is all about. It’s our duty really to get people involved and talking.
“If they could meet on ground we feel is appropriate for our fellow then we will be there at Newbury, all being well.”
