Our best bets on Boxing Day were Long Run and Sizing Europe as well as Kauto Star in a double!
French import Long Run ran his rivals ragged in the williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton. Having his first start Nicky Henderson the four-year-old, in receipt of 7lb from all of his rivals, jogged round in no more than a hack canter throughout for amateur jockey Sam Whaley-Cohen, the owner’s son. Ruby Walsh attempted to make all on Tchico Polos but weakened quickly leaving Tazbar to chase home the impressive winner, some 14 lengths adrift of the 11-8 favourite.
Sizing Europe maintained his unbeaten record over fences in the Bord Na Mona Novice Chase at Leopardstown – but benefited from the last-fence fall of Captain Cee Bee. Mark Walsh had been patient on the 2008 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Captain Cee Bee as Osana and Sizing Europe cut out a sterling gallop up front.
Kauto Star wins at Kempton
Kauto Star created history by becoming the first horse to win the William Hill King George VI Chase for the fourth year in succession at Kempton. Paul Nicholls’ superstar came home in splendid isolation and Ruby Walsh never suffered an anxious moment throughout the whole three miles, officially winning by a distance from Madison Du Berlais.
