Lulamba In The Running For Grade One Glory At Sandown

Nicky Henderson is wanting to the Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase with Lulamba as he has come out of his debut over fences in rude health.


The four-year-old, a top-class hurdler who was 2nd in the Triumph last season before winning Punchestown's Champion Four Years of age Hurdle, tackled bigger obstacles for the very first time at Exeter previously in the month.


His 10-length success included a slight caveat as four fences were omitted, but the horse has been in such good form at Seven Barrows because that Henderson is tempted to head to Sandown on December 6 for the Grade One .


"It was difficult to understand what to make from it because there weren't enough fences," Henderson stated of Lulamba's launching to Sky Sports Racing.


"He had a nice settled-down knowing over the first 4 fences and after that the next next mile and a quarter didn't have any fences because of the low sun in the back straight.


"Then he leapt the three up the straight truly well. The horses in the race were no mugs at all and I believed the efficiency was pretty smooth.


Lulamba winning the Ballymore Champion Four Years Of Age Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival (Brian Lawless/PA)


"He's returned incredibly well, he's the most remarkable character since even after the Triumph in 2015 I recommended putting him away, however he was so fresh. We were really going to take him to Aintree.


"This fellow can buck and squeal and play a game, he's a horse you have to enjoy as he's so passionate about what he's doing.


"He's come out of it so well, we're lured to come back quite rapidly and head to Sandown the weekend after next and have an appearance at the Henry VIII.


"That's where his leaping will be tested, whereas Exeter didn't check his leaping, but he's constantly been very excellent at home. That's why we are decreasing the amateur chasing roadway instead of the Champion Hurdle path."