The Long Distance Hurdle (Friday 1 November) is a Grade 2 Hurdle run over 3 miles and 52 yards at Newbury, and this year it will be known as the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle as Ladbrokes are now the proud sponsors of the two-day Ladbrokes Winter Carnival.
The race has a fine role of honour, with multiple winners including Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle winners Barracuda, Inglis Drever and Big Bucks. Meanwhile, the last two renewals have been won by Thistlecrack and Unowhatimeanharry, who are on course to take each other on this year.
Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle Trends
- 6 of the last 10 winners have carried a maximum penalty to victory
- The last 7 winners have been aged 7, 8 or 9
- The last 10 winners have been rated between 149 and 174
- SP’s of the last 10 winners have ranged from 1/12 to 9/1
Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle Contenders
Thistlecrack
The 2015 winner went on to win the Stayers Hurdle at the following year’s Cheltenham Festival, and then embarked on a novice chase career that saw him win what was probably a below average King George, before suffering a minor injury when favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This will be his first run since January and, though he will probably go back chasing after this, he could easily win this with no penalty to carry.
Unowhatimeanharry
Last year’s winner has won 10 of 11 starts since being trained by Harry Fry and, though he could only finish third in last year’s Stayers Hurdle after chasing a breakneck pace, he made amends by winning the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle. He also won this year’s prep-race at Aintree, and should give Thistlecrack a real battle despite having to concede him 6lb.
Wholestone
Likeable 6-year-old who was well-backed for both his races so far this season, but failed to win either of them. 3lb better off with Colin’s Sister for a 2-length defeat, but will have to find plenty of improvement to trouble the two principals if they’re on song.
Taquin De Seuil
Ran a decent race to be fourth in the Ryanair Aintree Stayers Hurdle in April, but his last 2 wins have come in handicap chases, and he typically comes up short in graded races over hurdles and fences.
Colin’s Sister
Won 5 of her 6 races since being sent over hurdles, and seemed to really appreciate a stamina test when stepped-up to 3-miles for the first-time at Wetherby on her last run. However, time may prove her rivals underperformed there, though she could equally have plenty of improvement to come as a 6-year-old.
Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle Summary
The likes of Wholestone and Colin’s Sister appear to have plenty to find on the book and, as 6-year-olds, are younger than most recent winners. Therefore, this could become a straight fight between the 9-year-old Thistlecrack and Unowhatimeanharry. The unpenalized Thistlecrack should win at the weights, but 10-months off the track and the fact he reverts from chasing means he may be vulnerable on this occasion, so the vote goes to Unowhatimeanharry.
Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle Tip: Unowhatimeanharry