Baracouda set for first Windsor visit

Connections of Baracouda are looking forward to the brilliant Frenchman gracing Windsor at the weekend when he bids for a fourth victory in the Long Walk Hurdle.

The Grade One contest will staged as the Royal Windsor Long Walk Hurdle, with Ascot under rubble as it continues a multi-million pound redevelopment.

“It’s all systems go for the weekend and Francois (Doumen) is happy with him,” Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said today.

Baracouda, with champion jockey Tony McCoy on board for the first time, made his seasonal debut at Newbury last month when he had three-quarters of a length to spare over Alan King’s Crystal d’Ainay, who is set to reoppose.

“It’s always hard to judge with him because he doesn’t do a lot in front but I think the second is an improving, up-and-coming horse and he’d be entitled to put it up to him,” Berry added.

“Tony got on fine with him and he came out of the race well. Francois is very happy with him and we’re looking forward to seeing him again.”

Baracouda and Crystal d’Ainay were two of the 10 left in for the £75,000 feature at the today’s confirmation stage, together with Geos, Ilnamar, It Takes Time, Rule Supreme, Sh Boom, Telemoss, Kadara and Knock Down.