Arguably the most exciting horse in jumps racing, Constitution Hill, made a jaw-dropping return to action on Saturday as he justified his short odds to claim the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle by a stunning 12 lengths.
This victory gave trainer Nicky Henderson a record eighth win in the Grade One 2m-hurdle contest with the Seven Barrows handler responsible for the first two home as the JP McManus-owned Epatante finished in second place.
Nico De Boinville made his intentions clear from flag fall as he set out in front aboard last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner. The pair maintained a three-length advantage throughout ahead of last year’s dead-heat winners Epatante and Not So Sleepy. As the field turned for home, Constitution Hill drew clear of his toiling rivals under a motionless De Boinville. Unlike last year, two-and-a-quarter lengths separated Epatante (second) and Not So Sleepy (third), with a further 13-lengths back to the fourth-placed Voix Du Reve.
Speaking after the five-year-old crossed the line, trainer Nicky Henderson said: “I’m amazed. Let’s just all settle down and take a deep breath, he’s an amazing horse. For him to do that to her (Epatante) when she’s won it before is ridiculous really. This time he’s gone around on his own and Nico knows where that button is and when you press it. It’s just extraordinary.”
On where we might see Constitution Hill next, Henderson added: “I think it has to be the way to go. He has to go to Kempton on Boxing Day and then we'll take it from there.”
Winning rider Nico de Boinville commented: “That was very straightforward. He’s a joy to ride. He was incredibly slick over his hurdles and he’s got it all now. All credit to Newcastle Racecourse, they’ve done a fantastic job with the ground. It’s amazing to see so many people here, he’s beginning to get a real following.”
In the Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase, Cheltenham Gold Cup contender L’Homme Presse produced a great weight carrying performance to defy topweight of twelve stone on his first run of the season.
The seven-year-old travelled with plenty of zest throughout and won under a cosy ride from Charlie Deutsch to beat Into Overdrive who finished one-length behind in second.
About Newcastle Racecourse
Located within High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Racecourse is home to the historic Northumberland Plate, and is one of Britain’s busiest racecourses, hosting over 60 all-weather and jumps fixtures a year. An ideal venue for all occasions, the racecourse can host events of all kinds, including conferences, exhibitions, weddings, private parties and more. The racecourse shares High Gosforth Park with the Border Minstrel Pub and Parklands Golf Club.
For further information please contact:
Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Hugo Barran, JSC Communications on 07786 913215 or hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
