Crambo Targets Long Walk Hurdle Title Defence at Ascot

Fergal O’Brien’s Crambo is set to begin his season by defending his crown in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The seven-year-old made headlines last season when narrowly defeated Paisley Park by a short head in this prestigious Grade One event. That victory capped a strong early campaign, which also included a win on his seasonal debut at Aintree and a third-place finish in the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

However, after his triumph at Ascot, Crambo struggled to replicate his form, finishing unplaced in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

Plans for a return in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury earlier this season were shelved due to a dirty scope, delaying his seasonal reappearance until now.

“He’s very well, and we’re really pleased with him,” said O’Brien. “He had to miss Newbury, but we have our fingers crossed he can make amends at Ascot.”

“Everything’s fine now, and he’s been pleasing us at home. By this time last year, he’d already had two runs, so we’re hoping we can get him through the winter and into the spring.”

Strong Competition Awaits

Crambo faces a high-quality field in his bid for back-to-back victories. Among the key contenders is Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader, who concluded last season with a Grade One triumph in the Liverpool Hurdle and recently impressed by winning the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

Dan Skelton’s Langer Dan, a two-time Coral Cup winner, finished third at Newbury and will also line up, along with stablemate Kateira. Paul Nicholls’ Blueking d’Oroux, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Beauport, Gary and Josh Moore’s Botox Has, and Ruth Jefferson’s Kerryhill complete the strong British contingent.

Ireland is represented by a formidable group, including Henry de Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake, Charles Byrnes’ Shoot First, William Durkan’s Eagle Fang, and Gordon Elliott’s The Wallpark.

With an elite lineup and Crambo’s readiness confirmed, the stage is set for an exciting renewal of the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.