Long Run All Set To Wear Cheekpieces In Gold Cup

Online, March 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Long Run pleased connections when working in cheekpieces on Friday and they are likely to be reapplied when he lines up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

The 2011 Gold Cup hero is one of four horses quoted at single-figure odds for chasing's blue riband event, but his trainer and owner are of the same opinion his chance would be enhanced further for the application of the headgear.

"Both Robert [Waley-Cohen, his owner] had the same idea after the King George but neither of us wanted to mention it to the public," said his trainer Nicky Henderson.

"He was very good. I think we all concluded they will just be a little bit of assistance to him, especially in the latter part of the race. Sometimes he gets to the front and he doesn't do a lot.

"It's no discredit to the horse [wearing cheekpieces]. He won't see them again before the race, they are shock tactics. He used to be exuberant but he's now more relaxed. They might have him a bit more alert early in the race but that's no bad thing."

The Lambourn trainer was on hand to watch a number of his Cheltenham Festival team in action and issued a positive bulletin also on his other Gold Cup runner Bobs Worth, saying he "jumped beautifully."

On his big Queen Mother Champion Chase hope Sprinter Sacre, Henderson commented he was "spectacular to watch - unbelievable."

Bookmakers are bracing themselves for another bashing after the trainer's spectacular seven-timer last season, with several members of the Henderson's team already favourite for their respective targets.

His other main hopes are Simonsig (Arkle Trophy), Grandouet (Champion Hurdle), My Tent Or Yours (Supreme Novices' Hurdle), Une Artiste (Mares' Hurdle), Captain Conan (Jewson Chase), Oscar Whisky (World Hurdle) and Rolling Star (Triumph Hurdle).

Here at CheltenhamFestival.net, we're gearing up for what should be a spectacular four days of racing and we're hopeful of finding plenty of winners during the week, so be sure to pay us a visit.