Beauport remains on track for the Grand National after an impressive front-running display in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
After a dominant 31-length victory in a handicap chase at Ascot last month, the eight-year-old returned to hurdles for Saturday's Grade One feature. Under a bold ride from Sam Twiston-Davies, Beauport led the field and was still in front at the final flight before finishing third behind Crambo and Hiddenvalley Lake, comfortably ahead of the rest.
Assistant trainer Willy Twiston-Davies expressed pride in the performance: "Very pleased, he ran a very good race, and we’re very proud of him. He likes that soft ground and has been in great form. It’s nice to see him stringing together good runs."
Looking ahead, the team is focused on the Grand National as Beauport’s primary target: "The National is the long-term aim, so we’ll work back from that," Twiston-Davies confirmed.
Meanwhile, the yard is preparing for a busy festive period, with star novice hurdler Potters Charm eyeing a Grade One assignment. Following a commanding Grade Two victory at Cheltenham, the five-year-old is under consideration for the Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day or the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury two days later.
"We’ll make a decision in the morning," Twiston-Davies said. "It’s looking more like Aintree at the minute, but we’ll speak to the owners and see where we are."
With Beauport and Potters Charm both in top form, the Twiston-Davies team has plenty to look forward to in the coming months.