Crambo Targets Long Walk Hurdle After Missing Newbury Test

Crambo will bypass Friday’s Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury after an unsatisfactory scope, with trainer Fergal O’Brien opting to aim the seven-year-old directly at the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 21.

Second-favourite behind Strong Leader for the Newbury Grade Two contest, Crambo was not declared, with O’Brien prioritising the horse’s health and ensuring he is at peak condition for his next outing.

"He didn’t scope quite as well as we’d have liked, so we thought we’d wait," said O’Brien. "It’s nothing too serious, but for a race like that—three miles at Newbury on softish ground—we needed him on his A game, and he probably wouldn’t have been."

Crambo delivered a thrilling victory in last year’s Long Walk Hurdle, narrowly defeating Paisley Park in a memorable finish. Despite having not raced since the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April, O’Brien is optimistic about his chances of defending his crown at Ascot.

"It’s just over three weeks to Ascot, so we’ll see how we go. Last year, by the time we got there, he had two runs under his belt, but we know he goes well fresh. I’d rather head to Ascot 100 percent ready, and we know he likes the track."

While disappointed to miss the Newbury engagement, O’Brien remains focused on preparing his star for Ascot.

"The owners and I are disappointed because we wanted to go to Newbury, but it wasn’t going to be."

If all goes to plan, Crambo will look to make a triumphant return in the Long Walk Hurdle, reaffirming his status as one of the top staying hurdlers in the division.