Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle
Grade 1, Newcastle 14:10
£115,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus,
2m 98y, Class 1  
Saturday 26th November 2022

SureWIn

1 Constitution Hill 1/4F
2 Epatante 4/1
3 Not So Sleepy 18/1
5 ran Distances: 12l, 2¼l, 13l
Time: 3m 46.17s (fast by 2.83s)

The highest rated novice hurdler in history made the perfect start in open company with a dominant display.

Nico de Boinville set out to make every yard of the running and turning in only stablemate Epatante was within shouting distance of the 1/4 favourite.

She was clumsy at the third last and the winner went through the gears in effortless style to go clear in a matter of strides and saunter to the line to score by 12 lengths.

Winning trainer Nicky Henderson told ITV Racing: "He's an amazing horse. I couldn't have been happier with Epatante and she's run a great race but for him to that to her is ridiculous really.

"Today Nico goes round on his own but he knows where that button is and when you press it it's extraordinary. I think it has to be the Christmas Hurdle then Champion now. It's a bit sad for Epatante but I have to say this horse has to go to Kempton on Boxing Day now and take it from there."

Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power all make him their 8/11 favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, with QuinnBet and others going 4/6.

Sky Bet Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "That was sensational from Constitution Hill. The way he powered clear of his rivals was exceptional and he is now the one to beat in this season's Champion Hurdle."

Boylesports

Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle
£115,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 98y, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Good to Soft

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1     Constitution Hill 5 11-10 Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 1/4F
2 12 Epatante 8 11-3 Nicky Henderson Aidan Coleman 4/1
3 2¼ Not So Sleepy 10 11-10 Hughie Morrison Jonathan Burke 18/1
4 13 Voix Du Reve 10 11-10 Iain Jardine Conor O'Farrell 200/1
5 nk Tommy's Oscar 7 11-10 Ann Hamilton Danny McMenamin 25/1

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