Champion Hurdle Contenders Top the Entries for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle

Constitution Hill will bid to get his career back on track when he lines up in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 29th.

The 2022 Champion Hurdle winner has endured a roller-coaster ride since demolishing his rivals in the two-mile showpiece at the Cheltenham Festival.

He missed the race the following year after scoping dirty, but seemed to be on his way back after winning at Kempton and Cheltenham last season.

However, he subsequently fell in the Champion Hurdle, before suffering another costly mishap in the Aintree Hurdle. He ended the season with a dismal run at Punchestown.

Constitution Hill is on a Recovery Mission

Constitution Hill art — Painting by Stuart Herod

While Constitution Hill has plenty of questions to answer, Betway’s latest Cheltenham Festival betting markets highlight that it would be foolish to underestimate his chances of returning to form.

Nicky Henderson’s stable star is priced at 9/2 to win the Champion Hurdle next March and those odds will disappear if he wins the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

The New Lion currently heads the ante-post betting for the big race, and he will provide stern opposition for Constitution Hill at Newcastle.

However, Henderson believes that the eight-year-old is in excellent shape for his seasonal reappearance and thinks he will bounce back in the north-east.

“No obvious injuries have been as a result of his falls last season, and I am delighted to say he returns 100 percent sound,” Henderson said.

“Once again, the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle would be the first objective, and he is not carrying as much condition as usual for this time of the year.

“The Christmas Hurdle would again be an objective, and we would like to hope he is performing to his best as he tries to win the Champion Hurdle back.”

Mullins Eager to Find a Replacement for State Man

Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins has entered Anzadam and Kargese at Newcastle, and the former could be a big threat if he lines-up in the race.

The horse won twice in France before joining the Mullins stable, and has subsequently recorded two eye-catching victories at Fairyhouse and Naas.

Owners Joe and Marie Donnelly will be hoping that the five-year-old can fill the void left by State Man, who has been ruled out for the season with a tendon injury.

The 2024 Champion Hurdle winner was on course to retain his title last year, but fell at the final flight under jockey Paul Townend.

Mullins admitted that the injury was a massive blow to the stable and the Donnellys, and will force him to reassess his plans in the two-mile hurdling ranks this season.

“It’s hugely disappointing but that’s the sport we’re in,” Mullins said. “You’ve got to really enjoy the good days, because things like this can happen in the blink of an eye.

“We’ll obviously have to reshuffle our pack now and I’m not sure yet who will go to the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown instead of State Man.

“We have quite a few entries in there and we’ll have to see who fits the race best over the next week or two. There are a few decisions that will need to be made soon.”