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 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, tackled larger barriers for the very first time at Exeter previously in the month.


His 10-length success came with a small caveat as 4 fences were left out, however the horse has actually remained in such good type at Seven Barrows because that Henderson is tempted to head to Sandown on December 6 for the Grade One Henry VIII.


"It was hard to know what to make from it due to the fact that there weren't sufficient fences," Henderson said of Lulamba's debut 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 due to the fact that of the low sun in the back straight.


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


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


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


"This fellow can buck and screech and play a game, he's a horse you have to like as he's so passionate 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 leaping will be checked, whereas Exeter didn't check his jumping, however he's always been great in your home. That's why we are going down the amateur chasing roadway instead of the Champion Hurdle route."