After the International Hurdle success, Paul Nicholls points Ranjaan for the Ladbroke Hurdle
The contesting table for the most famous and highly accomplished jump racing trainers, Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls, did take a turn at the beginning of the season. First, the Hennessy Gold Cup was won by the Nicky Henderson trained, Bobs Worth, and then he became the winning trainer in the Tingle Creek Chase with Sprinter Sacre. All the systems were going in favour of the trainer until the Grade 2 StanJames.com International Hurdle came to Paul Nicholls’ trained, Zarkandar.
The trainer has finally pulled back after being brutally challenged by Nicky Henderson, and for now, is being celebrated for the Ladbrokes Hurdle with his very popular entry, Ranjaan.
The sponsor's spokesman David Williams said: "Ranjaan is all the rage for our race on Saturday. He is the first major gamble to emerge in the big betting race of the weekend."
Nicholls, who enjoyed a great day at Cheltenham said on Sunday: "Ranjaan had a little setback and because he's a big horse I've given him plenty of time. He hasn't had a run yet but ours have been running fairly well first time up."
The four-year-old bay gelding, Ranjaan, will make the seasonal debut through this race, as the last time that he won was in the Read Donald McCain’s Column On Betfair Handicap Hurdle on 19th January, 2012 at Taunton race course over two miles and a furlong.
Paired up with jockey, Daryl Jacob, he defeated the Colin Tizzard trained, Third Intention, by 3 ½ lengths.
Dubai Destination’s French gelding will race for the first time after incurring the set back and that is why it will give a fair chance to the connections to analyse his form and select the future races for him.
The opposing trainer, Alan King, commented:
"We were lucky enough to win the Ladbroke last year with Raya Star, but he will wait for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton this time around, so we will rely on Balder Succes at Ascot.”
The trainer has a well supported entry for the race and any threats from the stable of Nicky Henderson, have not made much news yet. The outcome of the race will once again decide for the rat race between the two ace trainers.
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