Disappointment for Constitution Hill at Kempton Park

Constitution Hill had to settle for an ultimately well-beaten fourth to Pride Of Arras on his eagerly-awaited third Flat outing in the William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park.

So brilliant at his peak in his hurdling days, Nicky Henderson’s superstar has remained one of racing’s biggest draws since switching to the level – but this Group Three affair was a major step up from his victories at Southwell and at this track in February and March respectively.

As the odds-on Gethin took early command of the mile-and-a-half contest, Billy Loughnane and Constitution Hill (9-2) sat in a close-up fourth and were still travelling with a degree of menace turning for home.

Asked for his effort just outside the two-furlong pole, there was only a flattering moment of hope before it became clear he was not going to get involved and instead it was the Ralph Beckett-trained Pride Of Arras (11-2) who swept to the front, holding off the rallying Gethin by a length.