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 Year Old Hurdle, dealt with bigger barriers for the very first time at Exeter earlier in the month.


His 10-length success came with a slight caveat as four fences were omitted, but the horse has remained in such excellent type at Seven Barrows because that Henderson is tempted to head to Sandown on December 6 for the Grade One Henry VIII.


"It was difficult to understand what to make of it due to the fact that there weren't adequate fences," Henderson stated of Lulamba's launching to Sky Sports Racing.


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


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


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 amazing character due to the fact that 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 video game, he's a horse you need to love as he's simply so passionate about what he's doing.


"He's come out of it so well, we're lured to come back rather quickly 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 jumping, however he's always been excellent in your home. That's why we are decreasing the road instead of the Champion Hurdle path."