Nicky Henderson's 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill delivered a commanding performance on his Flat debut at Southwell, winning the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes by nine-and-a-half lengths under jockey Oisin Murphy. The switch from hurdles came after three falls in his last four starts, with Henderson seeking to explore new options for the star chaser.

The move paid immediate dividends as Constitution Hill, sent off the 6/4 favorite, broke well from stall 12 over a mile and a half and cruised to victory. Murphy praised the horse's speed and machine-like qualities, noting he felt the same power he's experienced during their previous successes over obstacles. The packed stands erupted as the champion showed no signs of rust on the level surface.

Henderson admitted the victory was 'amazing' and opens multiple possibilities for the future, though no immediate decision has been made about Constitution Hill's next assignment. The trainer acknowledged the Flat option could take them 'around the world' but emphasized the horse isn't suited to summer Flat racing. With the Champion Hurdle still on the table alongside potential black-type Flat races, the coming weeks will determine whether this Flat experiment becomes a permanent shift or remains a one-off exploration.