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 launching over fences in rude 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 obstacles for the very first time at Exeter previously in the month.


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


"It was tough to know what to make of it since there weren't adequate fences," Henderson said of Lulamba's launching to Sky Sports Racing.


"He had a good settled-down knowing over the first four fences and then 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 straight actually well. The horses in the race were no mugs at all and I believed the efficiency was pretty smooth.


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


"He's returned exceptionally well, he's the most fantastic character since even after the Triumph in 2015 I was all for putting him away, however he was so fresh. We were in fact going to take him to Aintree.


"This fellow can buck and screech and play a game, he's a horse you need to like as he's so passionate 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 have an appearance at the Henry VIII.


"That's where his leaping will be checked, whereas Exeter didn't evaluate his leaping, however he's constantly been great at home. That's why we are going down the beginner chasing road instead of the Champion Hurdle path."