Constitution Hill named among Fighting Fifth entries - find out which Willie Mullins-trained runner could take him on

Constitution Hill took a step closer to his highly anticipated return with Nicky Henderson's stable star among 18 runners in the early entries for the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, set to be run on November 30.

The phenomenal 2023 Champion Hurdle winner has been off the track since recording an eighth successive win under rules in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day. He has endured a luckless run of injuries, including a suspected bout of colic in April, but is expected to return in the north east later this month.

Henderson has also entered Grade 1-winning stablemate Sir Gino on Tuesday, who was later confirmed to be heading over fences this season, and he is in line to face only one opponent from the Willie Mullins stable, with Mystical Power his sole entry.

The reigning champion trainer in Britain and Ireland has the likes of Lossiemouth, State Man and Ballyburn in his two-mile hurdling armoury but it is the Aintree and Punchestown winner who could represent Closutton.

Mystical Power: could represent Willie Mullins against Constitution HillCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Brighterdaysahead, who like Mystical Power finished second at the Cheltenham Festival before going one better at the top level at Aintree, was Gordon Elliott's only entered runner. She kicked off her season with victory at Down Royal at the start of the month.

Galway Hurdle winner Nurburgring could also run for Joseph O'Brien while Golden Ace, who defeated Brighterdaysahead at the Cheltenham Festival, is another high-profile potential runner.

Novice hurdler Valgrand, who is entered at Cheltenham this weekend, was a surprise name on the list for Dan Skelton as well as Coral Cup-winning stablemate Langer Dan. A three-pronged Skelton team was completed by recent Wetherby winner Take No Chances.

Triumph Hurdle third Salver, for Gary and Josh Moore, was also entered along with Tellherthename who was a notable omission on Monday in the confirmation stage for Sunday's Greatwood Hurdle.

Meanwhile the Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase, to be run on December 7, also closed on Tuesday and Saturday's Grand Sefton winner King Turgeon was among those in the line-up.

Entries for the Betmgm Fighting Fifth Hurdle on November 30

Benson
Brentford Hope
Brighterdaysahead
Colonel Mustard
Constitution Hill
Golden Ace
Horn Cape
Kihavah
Langer Dan
Lump Sum
Mystical Power
Nemean Lion
Nurburgring
Salver
Sir Gino
Take No Chances
Tellherthename
Valgrand

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'All being well he'll run - I couldn't be happier' - Nicky Henderson set to unleash Jonbon in Shloer Chase on Friday 

The November meeting at Cheltenham - everything you need to know for the first major fixture of the jumps season 

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