Lulamba In The Running For Grade One Glory At Sandown

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


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


His 10-length success featured a small caveat as four fences were omitted, however the horse has actually been in such good type at Seven Barrows since that Henderson is tempted to head to Sandown on December 6 for the Grade One Henry VIII.


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


"He had a nice settled-down knowing over the very first four fences and then the next next mile and a quarter didn't have any fences due to the fact that 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 thought the efficiency was pretty smooth.


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


"He's returned extremely well, he's the most amazing character since even after the Triumph last year I recommended putting him away, but he was so fresh. We were really going to take him to Aintree.


"This fellow can buck and squeal and play a video game, he's a horse you need to love 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 quickly and head to Sandown the weekend after next and have a look at the Henry VIII.


"That's where his jumping will be tested, whereas Exeter didn't check his jumping, but he's constantly been great in your home. That's why we are decreasing the novice chasing roadway instead of the Champion Hurdle path."