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, tackled larger challenges for the very first time at Exeter earlier in the month.


His 10-length success came with a slight caveat as four fences were left out, however the horse has actually been in such excellent form 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 know what to make of it because there weren't sufficient fences," Henderson said of Lulamba's launching to Sky Sports Racing.


"He had a good 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 3 up the really well. The horses in the race were no mugs at all and I thought 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 exceptionally well, he's the most fantastic character since even after the Triumph in 2015 I was all for putting him away, but he was simply so fresh. We were actually going to take him to Aintree.


"This fellow can buck and squeal and play a video 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 tempted to come back quite quickly and head to Sandown the weekend after next and take a look at the Henry VIII.


"That's where his jumping will be checked, whereas Exeter didn't evaluate his leaping, but he's always been great in your home. That's why we are decreasing the amateur chasing road instead of the Champion Hurdle path."