Sam Waley-Cohen & Long Run regain thrilling King George

26-12-2012

On the first day for 7 years since Kauto Star was not in the line up and on ground described as heavy for the first time since 1937, Sam Waley-Cohen and LONG RUN took on their competitors and emerged victorious after a thrilling King George VIth chase at Kempton today.  The afternoon could not have started better for Sam with RAJDHANI EXPRESS winning the Novice Handicap Chase effortlessly earlier in the afternoon and leaving his rivals trailing in his wake.  The winning distance was 34 lengths!

But more was to come with LONG RUN waiting in the wings. 

Tracking GRAND CRUS and CHAMPION COURT for the early stages of the race, the partnership jumped well until a mistake at the fifth-last.  However, Sam Waley-Cohen kicked on again to capitalise on his mount’s proven stamina, but the horse wandered a little in front once turning into the home straight.

Headed at the last by CAPTAIN CHRIS and Richard Johnson, LONG RUN and Sam Waley-Cohen were not to be denided and dug deep to rally courageoulsy and get up sensationally near the line to win by a neck.This was a tremendous achievement for both horse and rider.  Many congratulations to winning connections!