Constitution Hill part of must-see Fighting Fifth line-up

Constitution Hill will face a maximum of four rivals at Newcastle on Saturday in what is set to be a blockbuster renewal of the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

All eyes will be on Nicky Henderson’s superstar after the disastrous end to last season, where he was a faller in both the Champion Hurdle and at Aintree before also disappointing on a season-end outing at the Punchestown Festival.

The 2023 Champion Hurdle hero advertised his well-being in his traditional early-season Newbury gallop – but will face an acid test of his well-being at the weekend, with Dan Skelton confirming the current ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Festival’s hurdling blue riband, The New Lion.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old won a stellar renewal of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park in the spring, a race that has often served as a breeding ground for Champion Hurdlers, including the mighty Istabraq.

Also adding no little spice to the mix is Willie Mullins’ Anzadam who will sport the colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly so often seen aboard State Man to great effect in this division.

Meanwhile reigning Champion Hurdler, Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace, will seek to bounce back from a lacklustre first outing of the season at Wetherby, while Kerry Lee has supplemented Nemean Lion, who will be having his first start since being pulled up in the Stayers’ Hurdle in March.