'A fabulous day of racing' - Constitution Hill boosts Newcastle to 11-year high

Star attraction Constitution Hill helped Newcastle record its highest attendance on Fighting Fifth day since 2011.

Racecourse boss David Williamson described the crowds on Saturday as being "ten deep" around the pre-parade ring as racegoers clamoured to see the Champion Hurdle favourite.

Their anticipation was not misplaced as the Nicky Henderson-trained star trounced his rivals in a memorable running of the Grade 1.

Watch: Constitution Hill thrill the Newcastle crowd

The crowd of 5,500 was up 17 per cent on the 4,707 in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

The headline name was Constitution Hill but Seven Barrows stablemate Epatante, who dead-heated in the race last year, and dual Grade 1 winner L’Homme Presse added appeal to what Williamson described as a "fabulous day of racing".

He said: “It’s not often that kind of horse [Constitution Hill] comes north. Just having both Nicky’s horses there at the pre-parade was fabulous.

"It was ten deep and staff at the racecourse were saying they’ve never seen it so busy, we had to put stewards there and that was just to see the horses parade. It was wonderful to be part of.”

David Williamson: 'It was a fantastic atmosphere'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Constitution Hill is now a top-priced 8-11 for the Champion Hurdle in March and the manner of his victory left racegoers enthralled.

Williamson said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere in the crowd. I did turn around when Constitution Hill passed the winning line and I’m pretty certain every single person there was clapping.

"I’m absolutely delighted for the groundstaff too, as the ground we produced obviously suited Constitution Hill."

L’Homme Presse’s gallant success in the Rehearsal Chase under Charlie Deutsch propelled him to second favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and also contributed to the occasion.

Williamson added: "It was a fabulous day all around. People turned up in droves and thoroughly enjoyed it."

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