Top Trainer Issues Cautious Warning Ahead of Blockbuster Hurdle Clash
Trainer Dan Skelton has tempered expectations for his star hurdler, The New Lion, ahead of a blockbuster first-ever meeting with the former champion Constitution Hill. The highly anticipated showdown is set for the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle this Saturday.
Skelton expressed respect for his rival, acknowledging that if Nicky Henderson's assessment of Constitution Hill being 'back to his best' is accurate, then his own charge will find the task 'extremely difficult'.
A Clash of Titans at Newcastle
This weekend's race at Newcastle has captured the attention of the jump racing world, pitting two of Britain's most exciting horses against each other. The New Lion, purchased by JP McManus before the Cheltenham Festival, comes into the race with an unbeaten record of five wins under rules.
His most notable victory was in the 2m5f Turners Novices' Hurdle in March, which cemented his status as a top young talent. He is currently the 7-2 second favourite with William Hill for next year's Champion Hurdle.
Constitution Hill, meanwhile, was once the undefeated superstar of National Hunt racing. However, the last season saw a dip in his formidable form. He fell when the 1-2 favourite for the Champion Hurdle in March, fell again at Aintree the next month, and could only manage a fifth-place finish at Punchestown.
Trainers' Verdicts on the Big Race
Despite his rival's recent setbacks, Skelton is taking nothing for granted. 'We're delighted to get him back out again,' Skelton said of The New Lion. 'His training has gone well, but we think he will improve for this run. I'm interested to see how he copes over two miles, as he's never gone that trip over hurdles before.'
He added a note of significant caution: 'If [Constitution Hill] is back to his best, then of course he's going to be extremely difficult to beat, because when he was at his best, he was unbeatable. So it's going to be a hard race.'
From the opposing camp, trainer Nicky Henderson sounded confident. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he stated simply, 'Everything's gone well. He's ready to rock and roll.'
The five-runner field for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle is further strengthened by the presence of Willie Mullins' Anzadam and the reigning Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace, making it one of the most competitive renewals of the prestigious race in recent years.
