Ladies and Gentlemen, let me transport you to the enchanting world of Ascot's Howden Long Walk Hurdle, where rivalry and excitement become a palpable living entity. Picture a rich turf under the broad sky; a place where legends Champ and Paisley Park are preparing for a showdown that could bring the heavens down!
Our protagonists have crafted an undeniably epic tale in this 3m 0.5f Grade One contest, seizing the crown in four of the past five runnings. Reminiscing apiece, we witnessed Paisley Park galloping to his third victory staged majestically at Kempton on Boxing Day. Here enters the competition, the crafty Champ – third last year but running off with the laurels in 2021! Five times they've measured strength, the score reading 3-2 in favor of Paisley Park. A rivalry as old as the very hills they race upon.
But the stage is a-crowded! Last year's silver medalist, Goshen, equally stakes his claim for glory amongst the 10 entries. The whispers across the bookie counters have Champ dominating the ante-post scrutiny. He's well-rested, ready to burst onto the track as the season ripens.
And who’s that clopping across the course? Meet Crambo, a young dynamo, who, after placing third behind Slate Lane at Haydock's, is looking to stir up a storm.
Add Dan Skelton's West Balboa to the mix: a valiant Aintree winner in his campaign debut, alongside Jeremy Scott's Dashel Drasher who sneakily outran Paisley Park in Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle, and you've got a recipe for thrills.
Lying in wait, too, is Paul Nicholls' Blueking D'Oroux, the titular king of the Coral Hurdle over half a mile shorter at Ascot. Perhaps Gary Moore’s double-baton act – Goshen and Botox Has, the victor of the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby last month – might steal the light.
Ani’t this a gathering of champions?
Keep your Saturday clear, hold your breath, sit tight. The Long Walk Hurdle is due off at 2.25pm, promising heart-stopping action and unforgettable drama. Join us live on Sky Sports Racing, where steeds become spirits that thunder across the track, and the feats of riders catapult into the realm of legends. Until then, happy race rumination and stay tuned for the latest horse racing news and features from Sky Sports Racing!
