Niquense (CHI) gives Constitution a Saturday Grade 1 double

Leading Third-Crop sire Constitution accomplished the rare feat of getting two new Grade 1 winners in a single day on Dec. 4 when Niquense (CHI) won the Premio St. Leger (G1) at Hippodrome Chile, his victory coming shortly after Americanrevolution won the Cigar Mile (G1).

Constitution now has five Grade/Group 1 winners around the world this year and is the only Third-Crop sire with progeny earnings over $10 million. He also leads the list by black type horses, with 30, and graded stakes horses, with 16 to date.

Niquense was bumped soundly at the break of the 2,200 meter contest, forcing his rider to take well back in the 16-horse field. He moved up to midpack at the mid-point of the race and continued to gain ground around the final turn. He didn’t strike the front until the final sixteenth, winning by about a length in a game finish.

Niquense, who was Group 1-placed prior to Saturday’s triumph, is owned and bred by Haras Don Alberto. The southern hemisphere 3-year-old is out of the Bluegrass Cat mare Nublina.