Reigning Unibet Champion Hurdler and six-time Grade One winner, Constitution Hill, could be set to defend his crown in the Bet MGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (G1) on Saturday December 2nd. The 6yo was one of 13 entries received for one of the major early season highlights of the National Hunt season.
No trainer has won more renewals of this contest than Nicky Henderson and his stable star began his first season in open company with a jaw-dropping 12-length success in this race last season. Owner Michael Buckley will be hoping for a similarly straightforward introduction to the 2023/24 campaign for the son of Blue Bresil.
Former Cheltenham Festival winner Love Envoi could be set to start her season at Gosforth Park too after Harry Fry gave the 7yo mare an entry. Meanwhile, fellow Cheltenham Festival scorer You Wear It Well has been entered by Jamie Snowden and could look to follow up her recent victory in the bet365 Mares’ Hurdle (Listed) in this contest.
Remarkably, Sceau Royal, now an 11yo, could return to Newcastle to run in this race for the fourth time after first contesting it in 2016. He finished third to Not So Sleepy who dead-heated in the 2021 renewal of this race with Epatante. Hughie Morrison’s enigmatic son of Beat Hollow could become the first horse to regain their title in this race since Irving in 2016.
Kerry Lee is doubly represented at this stage with Black Poppy and the improving Welsh Champion Hurdler Nemean Lion both entered. The Neil King-trained Lookaway is also on a firm upward curve at present, though this would be a steep rise in class if the recent Cheltenham winner were to be declared.
Morebattle Hurdle winner, Benson and The Gredley Family-owned Too Friendly are other notable entrants along with the sole Irish-trained representative Jason The Militant while Voix Du Reve and Salsada complete the list of 13 entries for the race.
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