Stablemates Constitution Hill and Epatante are set to face each other in Saturday's Grade One Betfair Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Racing; Not So Sleepy, Pied Piper, Tommy's Oscar and Voix Du Reve complete field of six
Wednesday 23 November 2022 13:25, UK
Nicky Henderson has confirmed Constitution Hill is set to take his place in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
The ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle in March was intended to make his seasonal bow at Ascot in the Coral Ascot Hurdle last Saturday, but ground conditions at the Berkshire track saw the Seven Barrows star withdrawn on the day of the race.
That caused attention to turn to Newcastle where the five-year-old was one of six possible runners confirmed at the five-day stage for the Gosforth Park Grade One - a race won by Henderson five times in the last six years and could also feature stablemate and race regular Epatante.
Speaking on Wednesday, Henderson said: "He [Constitution Hill] was very fit and well last weekend and touch wood he will be this weekend.
"We were hoping him and Epatante wouldn't have to meet at this stage of the season but that's how it has gone.
"It's going to be a proper Grade One race!
"Michael decided yesterday that he, probably quite rightly, wanted to run at Newcastle. He said, 'come on let's go to Newcastle'.
"The horse is fit and well and if we wait another fortnight anything could happen. Also bear in mind the weather could stay like it has done down south, I've just been walking round Newbury - I got drowned this morning, but they are having to chuck water on it to keep this good ground, so we can't risk that."
The Seven Barrows handler will not be in attendance at Gosforth Park, heading instead to Newbury for their Coral Gold Cup day.
"My heart will be at Newcastle even though my feet will be at Newbury," Henderson added.
Henderson's pair currently feature among six entered in the race, along with Not So Sleepy, who finished in a dead-heat with Epatante in last year's renewal.
Gordon Elliott has Pied Piper entered, while Tommy's Oscar (Ann Hamilton) and Voix Du Reve (Iain Jardine) complete the line-up.
However, Pied Piper is set to miss his engagement in the race, with Elliott revealing he will not be declared on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday.
