Strong Leader, Olly Murphy’s seven-year-old hurdling star, is gearing up for his seasonal debut in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, with final preparations taking place during the track's annual gallops morning on Tuesday.
A specialist over three miles, Strong Leader showed his class earlier this year by narrowly missing out in the Cleeve Hurdle before claiming an impressive Grade One victory in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.
Originally scheduled to kick off his campaign in the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby, his plans shifted due to unsuitable ground conditions. Murphy is now confident that Newbury’s flat, left-handed track will provide the ideal stage for his return.
“The plan is to start him off at Newbury in the Long Distance Hurdle,” said Murphy. “Sean [Bowen] has been very happy with him, and I’m looking forward to giving him a good blow on Tuesday morning. Hopefully, that will put him spot on for next week.”
Although Strong Leader will carry a penalty for his Aintree triumph, Murphy is optimistic about the season ahead, which could include a tilt at Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle over Christmas.
“I’d have loved to run him at Wetherby, but the ground wasn’t right,” Murphy added. “Newbury is a good place to get him started, and all being well, we’ll aim for the Long Walk after that.”
With preparations in full swing, all eyes will be on Strong Leader as he embarks on what promises to be another exciting campaign.