The BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle was established in 1969 and is held annually in late November or early December at Newcastle Racecourse. This Grade 1 race, open to horses aged four and older, covers a distance of about two miles, with competitors facing nine hurdles.
The race is considered to be the first of the three races in the hurdling triple crown. The other two races are the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Racecourse in December and then finally the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse in March.
Fighting Fifth Hurdle Odds & Runners
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BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
In the unfortunate absence of Constitution Hill, it may prove an ideal time for stablemate SIR GINO to announce himself on the big stage. An impressive three from three as a juvenile last season in Britain, including a Grade 1 success at Aintree on his latest start, the son of It's Gino looks a top-class prospect and connections may have made a shrewd decision in rerouting him from a novice chasing campaign. He has stiff opposition in the shape of Irish raider Mystical Power, though, who went on from a runner-up effort in the Supreme to land a pair of top-level successes at Aintree and Punchestown. Trainer Willie Mullins seems to have plenty of ammunition in this division, but this son of Galileo could be a dark horse in regards to the Champion Hurdle. Grade 2 winner Lump Sum could prove best of the remainder.
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Fighting Fifth Hurdle Overview
The BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle is a prestigious Grade 1 event, run over a two-mile course featuring nine hurdles, with a first-place prize of around £20,000. Taking place in early winter, the race is often run on soft or heavy ground, favouring horses suited to these challenging conditions.
This race is considered a key trial for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and has been won by notable horses such as Buveur D’Air (twice), Epatante (twice), and Constitution Hill. Due to the level of tough competition, the race often only attracts a smaller number of high-calibre runners.
Fighting Fifth Hurdle Betting Trends and Statistics
Over the last two decades, the leading trainer in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle has been Nicky Henderson, with seven victories. His winning horses include Punjabi (2008), My Tent Or Yours (2013), Buveur D’Air (2017 & 2018), Epatante (2020 & 2021), and Constitution Hill (2022). Other trainers with multiple wins include Noel Meade (3), Paul Nicholls (2), Hughie Morrison (2), and Donald McCain (2).
Several jockeys, such as Jonathan Burke and Sean Bowen, are aiming for a second win in this race. Nico De Boinville and Harry Cobden each won the race in their only appearances to date, making them ones to watch if their yards have entries this year.
Given its reputation as a crucial trial for the Champion Hurdle, past winners often make their seasonal return in pursuit of another victory here. Alongside the previously mentioned winners, Dato Star, Harchibald, and Floyd are among those who have claimed multiple wins in this race.
Fighting Fifth Hurdle History
Mugatpura won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle when it was established in 1969. The race’s name honours the “Fighting Fifth,” the nickname for the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. In the year before the race was launched, this regiment, formerly known as the 5th Regiment of Foot, was merged with three others to form the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
In the 1970s, two horses achieved triple victories in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle: Comedy of Errors and Bird’s Nest. Bird’s Nest also crossed the finish line first in 1980, but a stewards’ inquiry placed him second behind the legendary Sea Pigeon.
Initially, Fighting Fifth Hurdle was a Grade 2 race and it was briefly run as a limited handicap in the 1990s. Past sponsors have included Bellway Homes, Newcastle Building Society, and Pertemps, and in 2019, Betfair took on sponsorship before BetMGM became the race sponsor in 2023. The race was promoted to Grade 1 status in 2004 and is now the first top-grade hurdle event of the British National Hunt season.
Previous Fighting Fifth Hurdle Winners
Fighting Fifth Hurdle FAQ
Who won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in 2024?
Sir Gino was the winner of the 2024 renewal. The horse was ridden by Nico de Boinville, who was victorious for the second time in this race, and the winning trainer was Nicky Henderson.
What is the prize money for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle?
The 2024 renewal offered a prize pool of £115,000 added.
When is the Fighting Fifth Hurdle?
The Fighting Fifth Hurdle usually falls on the last Saturday of November or in early December. Because of where it lies in the calendar, the ground is often soft or worse.
How many hurdles are in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle?
There are usually nine hurdles to be jumped in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
How many horses race in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle?
Field sizes are usually quite small for this race, which is disappointing. The average amount of runners that line up in this particular race is usually four or five.
Which horses are eligible for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle?
The race is open to any horse aged four or older.
