'We've got a programme book and a passport - they're the essential ingredients' - Constitution Hill could travel in autumn but Newbury likely next

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A globetrotting autumn could be on the horizon for Constitution Hill as Nicky Henderson reflected on his second Flat win at Kempton on Wednesday evening.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner overcame a slow pace to strike at 1-7 in the 1m4f novice stakes and Henderson confirmed the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (registered as the John Porter) at Newbury as his likely next starting point on April 18.

• Constitution Hill's next race will be his toughest Flat assignment yet - what can he expect to face at Newbury? 

The Lambourn trainer suggested future options could be on the continent and in Ireland but he would also look to give Constitution Hill a summer break, having been in training since October when he was being aimed at the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. That race ultimately proved his last over obstacles after falling for a third time in four starts. 

Future targets could include the Irish St Leger or the Prix Royal-Oak, while he is 8-1 favourite for the Ebor with sponsors Sky Bet. 

Nicky Henderson: "The John Porter would be the right race"Credit: Edward Whitaker

Henderson said: "The John Porter would be the right race. We discussed it with Ryan Moore again on Thursday morning. 

"The distance is good and we don't need to go up in trip, even though Ryan said we could go down. We don't need to go up at the moment and Newbury seems the natural place.

"At some stage we'd definitely like to have a break. He was galloping in October to get ready for the Fighting Fifth so we need to space it out. He's not going to [Royal] Ascot so we might keep him fresh for an autumn campaign but where that's going to be I have no idea.

"The handicap option would be the Ebor but there's races in France, Ireland, Germany. We've got a programme book and a passport, they're the two essential ingredients. That's part of the fun. One career is over but we're going to enjoy this. A lot of people seem to be enjoying it too, which is terrific."

Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill after his victory at Kempton on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images

A crowd of 1,477 attended Kempton's card on Wednesday, more than the track typically gets for a midweek evening fixture, due to the star appearance of the eight-time Grade 1 winner.

Henderson added: "Wednesday was a great day and made you feel a lot of things. Everybody felt good and he's back and happy. He's got a great temperament, he eats, sleeps and is very straightforward like all the Blue Bresils. He doesn't fuss, but everyone else seems to.

"You could make the running or put him away, he doesn't need the education because he knows more about racing than most of us do. It's achieved a few things, including getting a handicap mark, and we'll see what he gets."

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