Impose Toi triumphed in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, securing his first Grade 1 victory. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the seven-year-old had previously won the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, outperforming Strong Leader. Despite facing tougher conditions in the rematch, Impose Toi widened the winning gap to a length and a quarter under jockey Nico de Boinville.
The 11-4 favorite, Honesty Policy, finished third just behind Impose Toi. Following the race, Ladbrokes adjusted Impose Toi’s odds to 5-1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Henderson praised Impose Toi’s flawless performance, highlighting the horse’s impressive improvement since their last encounter at Newbury.
The victory marked a positive start to the festive season for owner JP McManus, with another horse, Fact To File, aiming for McManus’s first win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. McManus expressed his desire to secure the elusive King George title, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming race at Kempton.
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