A small field of five runners have been declared for the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this weekend, but the showpiece contest is nevertheless set to host a potentially spectacular field. The headline name is Constitution Hill, who is aiming for a redemptive season for Nicky Henderson this term.
The eight-year-old has twice won at the Cheltenham Festival in startling fashion, cruising away with the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and 2023 Champion Hurdle, but after missing the 2024 meeting and falling in this year’s Champion Hurdle, his career is now at a crossroads. A limp effort when fifth in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle to old rival State Man ended the last campaign on a low note, even after falls at Cheltenham and Aintree, but a recent racecourse gallop sparked hopes of a serious comeback.
Standing against him though are two newcomers to the 2m hurdling division, both of whom bring in exceptional profiles. The first is The New Lion, a brilliant winner of a competitive Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March and who went unbeaten in his novice season. He would be dropping back to 2m for the first time ever here, but does not look to lack pace and is the apple of trainer Dan Skelton’s eye.
Willie Mullins is not leaving this race alone either as he plays the long game for the British trainers’ championship. State Man may be out for the campaign but Anzadam, for State Man’s owners the Donnellys, is unbeaten as yet in a distinctly unexposed career. He has only raced twice for Mullins, winning with consummate ease in Grade 3 contested at Fairyhouse and Naas, though is evidently a difficult horse to train given long absences either side.
Reigning Champion Hurdler Golden Ace will also look to bounce back from her underwhelming return in a match race at Wetherby, while that quartet were joined at the five-day stage by Nemean Lion, with the Kerry Lee-trained star supplemented by connections for £2,430 on Monday.
2025 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Runners
| Number | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
| 1 | Anzadam | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
| 2 | Constitution Hill | Nicky Henderson | Nico De Boinville |
| 3 | Nemean Lion | Kerry Lee | Conor O’Farrell |
| 4 | The New Lion | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
| 5 | Golden Ace | Jeremy Scott | Lorcan Williams |