After strong back-to-back wins at Ffos Las and Fontwell, Legendary Luke stepped up to Grade 2 company with credit, finishing a solid fourth in a strong renewal of the Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday 14th February.
Legendary Luke was sent off at 9/1 against eight rivals. As always, he settled nicely and raced in a share of third, travelling and jumping very well on tacky ground. The field got racing quite a long way out as the front pair took each other on at the end of the back straight. Turning for home, the tempo lifted and eventual winner Dalston Lad got the better of long-time leader Caughtinyourtrance and began to assert. Luke made his only mistake at the second-last, which checked his momentum, but he battled on bravely. He jumped the last cleanly and was only run down late to finish an encouraging fourth after taking a big step up in grade on only his third start over hurdles.
After the race, jockey Gavin Sheehan gave us his verdict on the performance:
“I’m absolutely buzzing with that. His jumping was unbelievable the whole way, bar the second last. He still seems to be a bit of a baby and he was in a man’s race today where it is a relentless gallop. His jumping kept us in the race, he didn’t quite stay the trip but it was a ferocious tempo. He will probably be a three miler and he’ll be a much better horse over a fence.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden reported after the race:
“That was a cracking effort, he travelled well and jumped great. He probably didn’t quite get home after fluffing the second last. It was only his second run over hurdles and he’s probably still a little bit on the weak side.It was an end to end gallop and he probably lacked that experience for a hard battle over three miles. When he gets older, stronger and wiser he will stay that trip and he will be a gorgeous novice chaser. I am thrilled he has stepped up into that kind of company and performed so well. We have a proper novice chaser on our hands for next season.”
This was a thoroughly encouraging first run in graded company at such an early stage of Luke’s career and confirmed we have a talented horse to enjoy, particularly when he begins his career over fences. His owners enjoyed a fantastic day at Haydock and have plenty more to look forward to.
Shares are still available in Legendary Luke for only £70! Click HERE to get involved with this exciting prospect.
