McManus pair in contention for Long Walk honours

Honesty Policy and Impose Toi could give owner JP McManus a strong hand in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The brilliant French stayer Baracouda carried the famous green and gold silks to four victories in the Grade One contest between 2000 and 2004, since when McManus has added to his tally with Unowhatimeanharry in 2016 and Champ in 2021.

Nicky Henderson’s Impose Toi is an obvious candidate having edged out Strong Leader in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month, while the Gordon Elliott-trained Honesty Policy is a fascinating contender, having won three of his five novice starts at Aintree last season including a top-level success at Aintree.

McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry, said on Monday: “I haven’t spoken to Nicky yet, but the other horse (Honesty Policy) is supposed to run anyway.

“He’s in good form, Gordon is very happy with him and he runs well fresh, so we’re hoping for the best.”

The McManus pair are among 13 entries for the Long Walk, with Fergal O’Brien’s Crambo set to bid for the hat-trick having beaten Paisley Park by a short head two years ago and Hiddenvalley Lake a head last year.

Last year’s third Beauport is in the mix for Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, while Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader gets another shot at the race having disappointed when hot favourite 12 months ago.

Kerry Lee’s stable star Nemean Lion has the option of stepping back up in trip after finishing an excellent third in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, Lorna Fowler could send stable stalwart Colonel Mustard from Ireland and David Cottin’s Jet Blue is a potential French challenger.