Crambo and Strong Leader Headline Competitive Field

Crambo, last year’s winner, is among 10 runners declared for the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. Despite a dip in form following his first Grade One victory and missing his intended return at Newbury, the Fergal O’Brien-trained seven-year-old has been showing positive signs in training, according to jockey Jonathan Burke.

“I’m really looking forward to him,” Burke said. “He’s been training well, he’s fresh and happy, and he clearly likes Ascot. He’s much more straightforward this year, which gives me confidence that he’ll put his best foot forward.”

Crambo will face stiff competition from Strong Leader, the new standout among UK staying hurdlers after a dominant win at Newbury in Crambo’s absence and a top-level success at Aintree earlier in the year.

Adding intrigue is the inclusion of The Wallpark, trained by Gordon Elliott and recently acquired by JP McManus after an impressive Cheltenham victory. The Irish challenge is further bolstered by Shoot First (Charles Byrnes), Hiddenvalley Lake (Henry de Bromhead), and Eagle Fang (William Durkan).

Rounding out the field are Beauport, Blueking d’Oroux, Botox Has, and Kateira, ensuring a fiercely competitive renewal of the Long Walk Hurdle.

Burke’s Additional Hope: Dysart Enos

Jonathan Burke also rides Dysart Enos for Fergal O’Brien in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle, following her promising third-place finish in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“She ran a fantastic race after 11 months off,” Burke said. “I might give her a bit more cover this time, but she’s likely to improve and should be in the mix.”

The 13-strong field for the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle features Be Aware, who narrowly finished ahead of Dysart Enos at Cheltenham, as well as Kabral Du Mathan (Paul Nicholls), Secret Squirrel (Hughie Morrison), and Favour And Fortune (Alan King).

With strong contenders across both races, Saturday promises an exciting day of top-class National Hunt action at Ascot.