IMPOSE TOI secured his first Grade 1 victory at Ascot by triumphing in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle, solidifying his position as a top stayer. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the seven-year-old previously won the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, besting Strong Leader.
In a rematch with Strong Leader at Ascot, Impose Toi widened his lead to a length and a quarter under jockey Nico de Boinville, despite facing a 6lb weight disadvantage. Honest Policy finished third, a neck behind the leading pair.
Following his success, Ladbrokes shortened Impose Toi’s odds to 5-1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Henderson expressed satisfaction with the performance, praising the horse’s flawless execution and improvement since their last meeting at Newbury.
JP McManus, the owner of Impose Toi, also had reason to celebrate as the win marked the start of the Christmas festivities. McManus is now setting his sights on the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, where his horse Fact To File will compete on Boxing Day.
McManus expressed his desire to win the King George, a race he has been pursuing victory in since 1978. With positive indications leading up to the event, McManus and trainer Willie Mullins are optimistic about their chances at Kempton.
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