11 horses have been declared for the 2025 Long Walk Hurdle. The Grade 1 is one of two over the jumps at Ascot and the final top level race prior to Christmas, as well as the first of three championship contests for staying hurdlers in Great Britain.
The race has been won for the last two years by Crambo, who once again headlines the field. Fergal O’Brien’s charge struggles to maintain his form one the new year hits, but has been in fine fettle when winning this race for the past two seasons. A below par reappearance in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle here over 2m3½f does leave him with more questions to answer this time around though.
One of the big dangers to his crown is likely to be Impose Toi for NIcky Henderson and JP McManus. The seven-year-old improved in middle distance handicap hurdles last season, but has been reborn over staying distances this season, comprehensively landing an Aintree handicap off 148, then winning the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury when upped in class.
He beat Strong Leader that day, though Olly Murphy’s charge was conceding 6lb when going down by just a neck. He has also been declared, but disappointed when favourite for this 12 months ago, trailing home last before undergoing wind surgery the following week. His yard will hope to have him in better form this time around.
There are two raiders for Ireland in the race: Honesty Policy was a thorough improver last term for Gordon Elliott, landing the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle in April before chasing home Jasmin De Vaux in the Grade 1 3m novice at Punchestown. He would be making his return here, while conversely, the ten-year-old Colonel Mustard has found a belated winning thread of late, including a surprise success in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan last time out. He can be relied upon to give his running.
French interest comes in the shape of Jet Blue for David Cottin, the six-year-old having been second in Grade 1 company at Auteuil last time out. He also landed the Grade 2 Bristol Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham 12 months ago and it will be intriguing to see how the market measures him.
Beauport was third in this last season, while Gwennie May Boy is a Graded winner over 3m previously. Potters Charm was part of the hot crop of novice hurdlers over middle distances last term, with improving handicappers from last season, Altobelli and Doddiethegreat also worth their place in the line-up.
2025 Long Walk Hurdle Runners
| Number | Horse | Trainer |
| 1 | Altobelli | Harry Fry |
| 2 | Beauport | Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies |
| 3 | Colonel Mustard | Lorna Fowler |
| 4 | Crambo | Fergal O’Brien |
| 5 | Doddiethegreat | Nicky Henderson |
| 6 | Gwennie May Boy | Olly Murphy |
| 7 | Honesty Policy | Gordon Elliott |
| 8 | Impose Toi | Nicky Henderson |
| 9 | Jet Blue | David Cottin |
| 10 | Potters Charm | Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies |
| 11 | Strong Leader | Olly Murphy |
FAQs: Long Walk Hurdle
When & where is the Long Walk Hurdle run?
The 2025 Long Walk hurdle will be run at 2.25pm this Saturday 20 December at Ascot.
Who won last year’s Long Walk Hurdle?
The defending champion in the Long Walk Hurdle is Crambo, who has won the race for the last two seasons and will bid for a third successive victory this year.
Where can I watch the 2025 Long Walk Hurdle?
The 2025 Long Walk Hurdle will be broadcast live on ITV Racing, as well as on Sky Sports Racing.