WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle Start Time Brought Forward

19th November 2009

The 2009 running of the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle has been brought forward almost two hours from when originally scheduled to 13:50(GMT) to help ensure fresh ground for the Grade 1 race.

The £100,000 contest will now be the second hurdle race run on the card and the fourth overall having previously been the finale on Newcastle’s feature day of their National Hunt season.

Iain Turner, PR and Sponsorship Manager for World Bet Exchange said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Andrew Franklin and Channel 4 Racing for amending their schedule and allowing us to stage the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle earlier on the card.

I was always amazed that it was the finale of the seven race card which meant that the best horses would run on the worst ground and in fading light. It was something which all trainers used to ask me if I could change and I am now delighted to announce that Channel 4 have accommodated this request.”

Robbie Hennessy, trainer of Sublimity said, “I was absolutely delighted when Iain told me the news about the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle now being staged two hours earlier. I appreciate the need for television coverage but I was astounded that the only Grade 1 race on the day was run last. Thankfully the race is now being staged earlier and the fresher ground will hopefully mean we see a better race.”

James Armstrong, Clerk of the Course at Newcastle said, “I am delighted that we can now stage the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle earlier in the day. The biggest gripe I received from owners and trainers was always about the race being run last on the card.

Following our race meeting on Friday, 13th November, the running rail has now been moved to provide as much fresh ground as possible for the big day. All the bends will start on fresh ground saved especially for this meeting (10yds in width) and the hurdles sites will be moved onto virgin ground at the start of the day.”

Back