Lulamba In The Running For Grade One Glory At Sandown

Nicky Henderson is aiming 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 2nd in the Triumph last season before winning Punchestown's Champion Four Years of age Hurdle, tackled bigger barriers for the very first time at Exeter previously in the month.


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


"It was difficult to understand what to make from it since there weren't enough fences," Henderson said 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 really well. The horses in the race were no mugs at all and I believed the efficiency was .


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


"He's come back extremely well, he's the most remarkable character due to the fact that even after the Triumph last year I recommended putting him away, but he was so fresh. We were actually going to take him to Aintree.


"This fellow can buck and screech and play a video game, he's a horse you have to love as he's simply so enthusiastic about what he's doing.


"He's come out of it so well, we're tempted to come back rather rapidly and head to Sandown the weekend after next and take a look at the Henry VIII.


"That's where his jumping will be evaluated, whereas Exeter didn't check his leaping, but he's constantly been excellent at home. That's why we are decreasing the newbie chasing roadway rather than the Champion Hurdle path."