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 actually come out of his debut over fences in disrespectful health.


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


His 10-length success featured a minor caveat as 4 fences were left out, but the horse has actually been in such good form at Seven Barrows because that Henderson is tempted to head to Sandown on December 6 for the Grade One Henry VIII.


"It was tough to understand what to make from it because there weren't adequate fences," Henderson said of Lulamba's debut to Sky Sports Racing.


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


"Then he jumped the three up the straight truly well. The horses in the race were no mugs at all and I thought the was quite smooth.


Lulamba winning the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival (Brian Lawless/PA)


"He's come back incredibly well, he's the most remarkable character since even after the Triumph last year I was all for putting him away, however he was so fresh. We were actually going to take him to Aintree.


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


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


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