IMPOSE TOI secured his first Grade 1 victory in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, confirming his rise to the top of the stayer division. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the seven-year-old had previously triumphed in the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, besting Strong Leader by a length and a quarter under jockey Nico de Boinville.
In a competitive field, Impose Toi outperformed despite facing his rival with a 6lb disadvantage. The third-place finisher, Honesty Policy, also carrying the colors of JP McManus, crossed the line a neck behind the winner.
Following this success, Ladbrokes shortened Impose Toi’s odds to 5-1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Henderson praised the horse’s flawless performance, expressing satisfaction with the outcome and acknowledging the need for improvement despite the weight difference from the previous race at Newbury.
The win set a positive tone for McManus’s festive season, with Fact To File aiming to secure the owner’s first victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. McManus, eager for success in the prestigious race, remains optimistic about his chances and is looking forward to the challenge.
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