Long Walk Hurdle Runners 2024 - Christmas Cracker in Store with Dozen Entries for Ascot Grade 1

With Christmas fast approaching, there is only one more Grade 1 left before Boxing Day, the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, 21st December. Held over 3m, it is the first of the staying hurdle showcases throughout the season in Britain, and 12 runners have been confirmed for the contest.

Defending champion Crambo is the stand out name as he bids for a second successive victory in the race. He narrowly denied Paisley Park a record-equalling fourth Long Walk Hurdle win last year, but lost his way afterwards and will have a point to prove against his rivals.

Among them is last month’s Newbury Long Distance Hurdle winner Strong Leader, who earned a first success at the top level at Aintree at the end of last season. Those two wins gave ensured he is the top dog among the home side for Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle in March, though another Grade 1 success here would help to bolster his chances. Langer Dan, twice a Cheltenham Festival winner but a tame third to Strong Leader last time, may seek to rebuild his season here.

Four Irish trainers are sensing an opportunity in this race due to a lack of depth among the British team. Gordon Elliott’s The Wallpark will be chasing a five-timer, and would be making his first start in the colours of JP McManus if starting here. He won a Cheltenham handicap last time, while Shoot First has also won in this country in 2024/25, landing a competitive Haydock handicap in November. Meanwhile, Hiddenvalley Lake was third in the Liverpool Hurdle back in April for Henry De Bromhead, and Eagle Fang is a progressive four-year-old for William Durkan.

Both Blueking d’Oroux and Botox Has have won at Grade 2 level without yet making the breakthrough at the top level, while Beauport reverts from chasing and Kerryhill steps out of novice company. Recently successful against her fellow mares, Kateira could complete the line-up.

Long Walk Hurdle Runners 2024