Henderson planning Run redemption

NICKY HENDERSON has vowed to have Long Run primed to defend his crown in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Stephen’s Day.

The Seven Barrows trainer felt the six-year-old was a bit fresh for his first run since winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup when beaten by Kauto Star in a memorable Betfair Chase at Haydock last Saturday.

Henderson expects Long Run to improve for the outing and is looking forward to a re-match in the Christmas cracker, in which Robert Waley-Cohen’s ace ended Kauto Star’s run of four successive King George victories last winter.