Tom Symonds applauds Long Run – Horseracing Update
The jockey-turned-trainer, Tom Symonds, have showered immense applause on Nicky Henderson’s talented gelding, Long Run, for his excellent performance at Newbury during the last week, terming him as a ‘relaxed individual’.
The 21-race veteran racer impressed all by winning ‘Betfair Denman Chase’ on February 17, 2012. Being a 4-7 favourite runner, he beat four rivals to finish first by a slight margin of ½ length.
This fabulous triumph augurs well for the gelding’s outing at Cheltenham in the high-profile contest of Gold Cup on March 16. Symonds claims that the value of this performance will be adjudged at Cheltenham.
The trainer also opines that Long Run has turned to be a fantastic runner over the years, averring that he runs with tranquillity and finishes nicely.
While speaking to the media yesterday, Symonds said, “The storm will fret until Gold Cup day as to whether it was a good performance or not, but from someone who knows the horse it looked clear that he ran a very good race; that's if he had one at all.”
He further told, “For me Long Run has become rather idle and was only in second gear at Newbury. He has seemingly relaxed and become more lackadaisical. He is now a relentless galloper who probably takes a bit more work to get the oil into that huge engine”
Owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, the seven-year-old brilliant gelding has won 13 out of his total 21 races so far. Making his debut in May 2008, he has won four consecutive races for two times in his career.
Long Run is now geared up with full confidence to cope with the Cheltenham challenge. The Grade 1 race of 3m2f110y holds great significance for all the 34 runners.
Henderson wants his pupil to bring home the ace title at every cost in this season. He also opines that the last week’s victory will prove to be a stepping stone for the gelding.
Till the day of the Gold Cup race, Long Run will pass through some tough training sessions which are expected to perk up his stamina and morale further.
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