Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle Promises Festive Thrills

Ascot will be aglow with festive cheer this Saturday as the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle takes centre stage, showcasing the season’s top staying hurdlers. Eight-year-old Crambo, trained by Fergal O’Brien and partnered by Jonathan Burke, is expected to line up in pursuit of a historic hat-trick, having won the race for the past two years. Only Reve De Sivola, in 2014, has achieved three consecutive victories, and Crambo’s attempt adds a layer of intrigue to the £125,000 feature.

Beyond the headline event, the card promises further high-class contests. The £100,000 Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase features Venetia Williams’ Victtorino, aiming to become only the second horse to win three successive renewals. Other contenders, including Blow Your Wad, Pic Roc, and last-time-out scorer Marble Sands, ensure that the chase will be fiercely competitive, with form over Ascot fences proving a key factor.

The £125,000 Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle also shapes as a compelling contest. Joe Tizzard’s Alexei, unbeaten in his last two starts at Ascot and Cheltenham, looks to extend his winning streak, while Mondo Man and Dan Skelton’s five-strong contingent - including Grade 1 runner-up Live Conti - promise a testing examination of stamina and jumping. The race exemplifies the depth of quality on show throughout Ascot’s Christmas meeting.

Kicking off on Friday, the two-day festive meeting also features the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase, with last-time-out winners Blueking D’Oroux, Steel Ally, and Jax Junior among the leading hopes. Across the card, Ascot delivers top-class racing, with established stars and promising newcomers going head-to-head in competitive contests throughout the meeting.

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