Few entires improve with age and racing, but Rubhahunish is one such horse and the nine-year-old can continue his progress with victory in today's Grosvenor Casinos Long Distance Hurdle over three miles at Ascot. The son of French Derby winner Darshaan has been running well all season and has recorded three victories, the most significant of which came last time at the Cheltenham Festival.
Nigel Twiston-Davies's tough performer lined up for the Ladbrokes Casinos Final over three-and-a-quarter miles and relished the longer trip.
Held up in the early stages, Rubhahunish made good headway to reach a challenging position coming down the hill. Soon under pressure, he responded gamely to hit the front on the run-in before drawing clear on the climb to the line to score by three and a half lengths.
That was a personal best by Rubhahunish, and today's Grade Two contest looks well within his grasp. Most to fear is Deano's Beeno, who if back to his best would be a danger to all.
Eastwell Hall, an unlucky loser at Newbury last week, can gain compensation in the Grosvenor Casinos Novices' Hurdle.
Tom McGovern's charge was ridden by a 7lb claimer that day and was given far too much to do. Hard as he tried, the fiveyear-old could never land a blow to the enterprisingly-ridden Docklands Limo and finished a four-length runner-up.
Tony McCoy takes over in the saddle and a more prominent showing from Eastwell Hall is virtually guaranteed.
At Haydock, the afternoon's Showcase Handicap can fall to Al Towd, who represents the Merseyside track's leading trainer, John Dunlop. Al Towd is from the same family as former top sprinter Elnadim yet possesses enough stamina to be effective over the mile.
