Seven-time Grade One winner, Constitution Hill, remains on target to make an eagerly anticipated return to the track in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) on Saturday 30th November. The seven-year-old is one of 18 entries for one of the major early season highlights of the Jump Racing season.
No trainer has won more renewals of this contest than Nicky Henderson and the six-time champion trainer will be hoping his stable star can put last season’s injury woes behind him. Constitution Hill was restricted to just the one outing last season, a comfortable victory in the Christmas Hurdle and was forced to miss the defence of his Champion Hurdle title due to a respiratory problem.
Willie Mullins, the reigning Champion Trainer in both Britain and Ireland, could be represented by Mystical Power. The dual Grade 1 winner finished runner-up in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March but finished the season strongly winning at both Aintree and Punchestown.
Brighterdaysahead, who like Mystical Power finished second at the Cheltenham Festival before going one better at the top level at Aintree, was Gordon Elliott's only entered runner. She kicked off her season with victory at Down Royal at the start of the month.
Galway Hurdle winner Nurburgring could also run for Joseph O'Brien while Golden Ace, who defeated Brighterdaysahead at the Cheltenham Festival, is another high-profile potential runner for trainer Jeremy Scott.
Dan Skelton has strong team entered including multiple Cheltenham Festival winner Langer Dan. Recent Wetherby winner, Take No Chances and exciting Novice Hurdler, Valgrand, make up his three-pronged attack.
Sam Behar, UK Director at BetMGM, said:
‘Unsurprisingly, Constitution Hill leads the betting but it will be nearly 12 months since we last saw him on the racetrack. If fully fit, there is no doubt he is a sensational talent but the other entries behind him in the market means we could be in for a real treat.’
Jane Hedley, Clerk of the Course at Newcastle, said:
"We are really pleased with the entries for the BetMGM Fighting Fifth and very much look forward to what is the highlight of the jumps season here at Newcastle. Weather wise, the current unseasonably dry and sunny spell looks set to break next week, with a more unsettled outlook and the potential for some bands of rain.”
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Latest betting with BetMGM
Constitution Hill - 8/11 (FAV), Mystical Power - 7/2, Brighterdaysahead - 9/2, Golden Ace - 8/1, Brentford Hope - 12/1, Nurburgring - 12/1, 20/1 BAR
List of entries
Benson (GB) - Sandy Thomson / Mr Ken McGarrity
Brentford Hope (GB) - Harry Derham / The Optimists Syndicate
Brighterdaysahead (FR) - Gordon Elliott / Gigginstown House Stud
Colonel Mustard (FR) - Mrs Lorna Fowler / Mrs A.Frost/P.G. Davies/R.H. Fowler
Constitution Hill (GB) - Nicky Henderson Mr Michael Buckley
Golden Ace (GB) - Jeremy Scott / Mr I. F. Gosden
Horn Cape (FR) - Ben Haslam / Mr John P. McManus
Kihavah (GB) - Adrian Keatley / JAB
Langer Dan (IRE) Dan Skelton / Mr Colm Donlon
Lump Sum (FR) Sam Thomas / Walters Plant Hire Ltd
Mystical Power (IRE) W. P. Mullins / J. P. McManus/Mrs.J Magnier/Mrs S Ricci
Nemean Lion (GER) Kerry Lee / Mr Will Roseff
Nurburgring (IRE) Joseph Patrick O'Brien / Bronsan Racing
Salver (FR) Gary & Josh Moore / Mr Keith Graves
Take No Chances (IRE) Dan Skelton / Mr Garry Wilson
Tellherthename (IRE) Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill / The Megsons
Valgrand (FR) Dan Skelton / HIghclere Thoroughbred Racing - Grand
