King Charles’ horse denies Constitution Hill crucial third place as Pride of Arras stuns odds-on Gethin at Kempton

SportHorse Racing Trainer Nicky Henderson (right) with Constitution Hill being prepared ahead of the William Hill September Stakes (Group 3) at Kempton Park Racecourse, London. Picture date: Saturday September 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Credit: PA KING Charles’ horse Warrant Holder denied Constitution Hill a crucial third place – as Pride of Arras stunned odds-on Gethin at Kempton. The former Champion Hurdle king finished fourth on his Flat return in the Group 3 1m4f William Hill September Stakes after being backed into 9-2. Constitution Hill looked the part ahead of his comeback run on the Flat Credit: PA He needed to finish third to qualify for the Melbourne Cup and its £2.4million first-place prize. But the monarch’s horse nabbed third at 8-1 after a badly hanging Gethin failed to straighten up in time, which allowed 11-2 Pride of Arras to cruise home. It is back to the drawing board now for Constitution Hill’s trainer Nicky Henderson and Michael Buckley. The nine-year-old, who lost his unbeaten record on the level, does have an entry in next weekend’s Irish St Leger. But it’s unlikely Hendo would want him to run again so quickly. Constitution Hill’s jockey Billy Loughnane said: “He ran a nice race, he broke clean from the gates and found a beautiful rhythm. “I felt I was going to go really close… he’ll take a big step forward from this. “I think up in distance might suit him. I think he’ll have no problem going further. Most read in Horse Racing Rossa Ryan steers Pride of Arras to victory as Warrant Holder, in the purple and red Royal colours, grabs the crucial third place in the September Stakes Credit: PA “There was tough opposition there and he ran well.” While Henderson added: “I don’t think we want to go under a mile and a half with him. “I do think he’ll come on for it. I think from a furlong out… he’ll take a bit of sharpening up. “He’s going to be eligible to run in handicaps now and it will be interesting to see what the reaction to that mark is. “Billy felt that run will bring him on.” 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