Nicky Henderson’s former superstar hurdler made an excellent start to his career on the level with a couple of all-weather wins at Southwell and Kempton earlier in the year

Constitution Hill could only finish fifth to German raider Stingray on his first Flat start on turf in the Gran Premio del Jockey Club in Italy.

Nicky Henderson’s former superstar hurdler made an excellent start to his career on the level with a couple of all-weather wins at Southwell and Kempton earlier in the year, and was certainly not disgraced in finishing fourth when stepped up to Group Three level for the September Stakes on his latest outing.

With a revised handicap mark of 108 limiting options at home, the nine-year-old travelled across Europe for an intriguing Group Two assignment at San Siro in the hands of Galway jockey Rossa Ryan, who was happy to take his time.

Constitution Hill appeared to be enjoying himself for much of the mile-and-a-half contest, travelling with zest towards the rear of the field, but he came under pressure from before the home turn and could only stay on at the one pace, finishing upsides the William Haggas-trained multiple Group One winner Dubai Honour.