Connections satisfied as Long Run delivers in Denman
After defeating old warriors Denman and Kauto Star in the blue riband last March, it seemed Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old was ready to dominate the staying chase division for years to come.
Things have not gone exactly to script, with a rejuvenated Kauto Star rediscovering his very best form and galloping Long Run into submission in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
But with the legendary staying chaser heading straight to the Festival, Long Run had a gilt-edged chance to get back to winning ways in the rescheduled Betfair Denman Chase.
And for much of the three-mile journey, all went swimmingly.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was happy to take a lead off The Giant Bolster and when that one weakened, 4-7 favourite Long Run eased to the front.
But stablemate Burton Port, making his first start in well over a year, and the enigmatic What A Friend made ground to make a real race of it after the final fence.
Burton Port in particular ran a barnstorming race and got to within half a length of Long Run at the line – albeit in receipt of 10lb.
Waley-Cohen said: “That was just what we wanted.
“I was really pleased with his jumping. He was a little careless with the water (jump), but apart from that he’s jumped really well. You couldn’t ask for more from a seasoned chaser.
“That is exactly the confidence boost you want to go to the Gold Cup with.
“We took the earplugs out but I’m not sure that made a big difference.
“In a funny way, he felt like a different horse altogether today.”
Zarkandar meanwhile produced the comeback performance that had been promised in the lucrative Betfair Hurdle.
With a Triumph Hurdle victory the highlight of an unbeaten juvenile campaign, the five-year-old was the 11-4 favourite to make a winning return to action.
While Ruby Walsh was low in the saddle from some way out, Zarkandar answered his every call to book his place in next month’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said: “There is huge improvement in him between now and Cheltenham.
“I had him right today, but I was training him with Cheltenham in mind.
“He needs to improve, but he’ll definitely go forward from here.”
