THE StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle is now just over one week away, with the meeting’s feature race set to get off at 2.20pm next Saturday, November 26.
We’re anticipating a strong seven race card in total, with the first scheduled for 12pm. Although the main focus is on the £100,000 Group 1 showpiece, the whole day will offer up a feast of National Hunt action for punters from across the UK to enjoy, at what is one of our major festival days.
In the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle itself, which is one of only three Grade 1 two mile hurdle contests in England, the name that immediately stands out in the entries is the Nicky Henderson-trained Champion Hurdler Binocular, regular mount of 16 time Champion Jockey AP McCoy.
Although he has come unstuck at Newcastle in the past, he will be the one to beat on the day.
Another who could run subject to his possible involvement at Ascot this weekend is Donald McCain’s Plate winner Overturn.
Were he to line up and win, we think he’d be the only horse in history to have won both the Plate and Fighting Fifth.
The great Fifth winning Sea Pigeon finished second to Tug of War in the 1977 Northumberland Plate, an exceptional feat in itself.
Entries are also held by other celebrities like Celestial Halo, Sanctuaire and Brampour. The North East looks like it will be represented alongside the big southern yards and Karen McClintock who trains in Northumberland will be hoping that Bygones of Brid puts in a strong performance. John Wade who trains in County Durham also has an entry with Bow Badger.
The Rehearsal Chase may well have an Irish representative in the Adrian Maguire-trained Golden Kite who finished a good fourth in the recent Gold Cup at Ascot to Exmoor Ranger.
In addition to the action on the track there will be plenty going on off it to and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will perform. The Fighting Fifth is named in honour of the Fusilier’s ancestors, the 5th Regiment of Foot.
The team here is looking forward to a fantastic day and it is very encouraging that ticket and hospitality sales have been doing very well. Tickets are now also on sale for our festive cracker, the Northumberland Christmas Chase, on Saturday, December 17.
For more information or to buy tickets call 0191 236 2020 or go to www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
