Constitution Hill gets Melbourne Cup entry as new jockey confirmed for comeback Kempton run

File photo dated 17/02/25 of Nicky Henderson with Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill will not run in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 10, trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed. Issue date: Wednesday February 25, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire Credit: PA CONSTITUTION Hill has officially been given an entry in the Melbourne Cup – as a new jockey was confirmed for his comeback run this weekend. Legendary trainer Nicky Henderson had appeared to pour cold water on the chance of his former Champion Hurdler running in the ‘race that stops a nation’. Constitution Hill has been given an entry in the Melbourne Cup ahead of his comeback run Credit: PA But he was included along with 100 others in the first official entry stage for the multi-million pound contest to be held on Tuesday, November 3. Constitution Hill, who is as big as 40-1, leads a strong British and Irish challenge, with Joseph O’Brien entering a massive 11 horses and dad Aidan including Derby winner Christmas Day among his squad. The latest Constitution Hill update comes as Billy Loughnane was confirmed as his jockey for his Group 3 return at Kempton on Saturday. Loughnane, the 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes-winning rider of the now-retired Bow Echo, steps in for the ride with Oisin Murphy and Ryan Moore already jocked up. The 20-year-old has been a revelation this season, scoring at the highest level, and speaking of his booking, Henderson said: “Ryan Moore is in America and Oisin rides another one in the race. “I’ve watched Billy all summer and he seems to ride pretty well! “There are lots of people that could have ridden him as the shortlist was a longlist, but it was about who was available, and Billy was. “He has shown plenty of times how talented he is. Most read in Horse Racing “It looks mighty competitive, but it is over a mile and a half and we know he likes the track. “He’s one of the lowest-rated horses, so it is technically impossible, but we’ve got to get that third run into him if we want to look at handicaps. “After Saturday, me and Michael [Buckley, owner] can have a chat about what we do going forward. “Everybody has been tremendous in supporting him. “I just hope he can do himself justice on Saturday, but I’m confident he will.” Constitution Hill was put in as big as 12-1 for the William Hill September Stakes over 1m4f but is now a best-priced 8-1. Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said as entries came out: “It’s excellent to see Constitution Hill entered for Saturday’s Group Three William Hill September Stakes, but we think he’ll struggle to lay a glove on his out-and-out Flat opposition. “We make the Henderson star a 12-1 shot to land Saturday’s Kempton contest, but we’re fully expecting his legion of fans to back him regardless. “It would be no surprise to see that double-figure price disappear in the coming days and for us to be facing a big liability come raceday.” What is for sure is that nine-year-old Constitution Hill – who is two from two on the Flat – will have to show more after a break if he is to get the better of the likes of 2-1 favourite Gethin. The Wathnan runner, whose big aim this season looks the Arc de Triomphe, heads the market ahead of 3-1 Coronation Cup scorer Bay City Roller. Back to Melbourne, though, were Bow Echo’s former trainer George Boughey has entered Ebor second Hopewell Rock. Harry Charlton has included the hugely promising Wine Dark Sea and Roger Varian has added Glorious Goodwood scorer Enfjaar. Joseph O’Brien’s Melbourne Cup 2025 runner-up Goodie Two Shoes is included in his team, alongside Defiantly, Highwayman, James J Braddock, Kizlyar, Nil Bua Gan Dua, Omni Man, Small Fry, Sons And Lovers, Starford and Trustyourinstinct. Ballydoyle boss Aidan has entered Amelia Earhart, Causeway, Piazza San Marco and Pierre Bonnard in addition to Christmas Day. While Emmet Mullins has entered the fascinating Winday, who bolted up at Ffos Las last week. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now