Champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy took an important first step toward a potential new chapter on Wednesday morning, partnering Constitution Hill in a workout at Seven Barrows ahead of the gelding’s planned return on the level later this month.

The five-time champion jockey was confirmed last week by Nicky Henderson as the intended rider, and the pair officially linked up for the first time in public view during a gallop that included further stalls education.

Constitution Hill, once the dominant force of the hurdling division, is set to run over a mile and a half at Southwell on February 20, as connections look to regroup following a difficult spell over obstacles that has seen him fall in three of his last four starts.

“Oisin came in and rode him this morning,” Henderson told the Press Association.

“He had another bit of stalls practice and then he had a gallop and Oisin was happy.

“Obviously there are lots of other jockeys out there that I like a lot and I would have been happy with any number of them, but I’m very happy to have Oisin.”

Murphy’s involvement signals a clear focus on the immediate Flat assignment, though longer-term plans remain deliberately open-ended. A return to Cheltenham for another attempt at the Champion Hurdle has not been ruled out, but Henderson stressed there is no rush to look beyond Southwell.

“We’re only concentrating on this race at Southwell at the moment, that’s all we’re talking about.”

For now, the emphasis is on restoring rhythm and confidence—both horse and camp taking things one step at a time as Constitution Hill prepares to test himself in a very different arena.