Henderson double at Ascot

The news from the meeting at Ascot, where Nicky Henderson registered a double with Thomas Campbell and Different Gravey.

Kimberlite Candy made his first start under Rules a successful one when grinding out victory in the Geotech Soil Stabilisation ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle at Ascot.

The Tom Lacey-trained gelding knew exactly what was required in the extended two-mile-three-furlong contest despite at one stage looking booked for a place at best.

Having moved to the front with favourite Secret Investor on the run to two out, the 12/1 shot was quickly passed over the second-last by the strong-travelling market leader.

Not one to give in, the four-year-old, a half-brother to former Cheltenham Festival winner Alfie Sherrin, battled back in resilient fashion to forge ahead once again before drawing away for a seven-length success.

Lacey said: “He is a gorgeous horse. He never ran on the track in the spring, we thought he was was best kept to the point-to-point route. We gave him time to strengthen up and mature.

“He is a lovely horse and is a dour stayer. He will not be over-raced. We will give him time to fill out and mature. This horse would run through a brick wall for you. He will tell us when he is ready to run again.”

Different Gravey received quotes for next year’s Cheltenham Festival after making an instant impact over fences in the Prince’s Countryside Fund Beginners’ Chase.

Last seen finishing fifth in Grade One hurdle at Aintree the classy six-year-old looked at home on his switch to the larger obstacles in the two-mile-three-furlong contest. Although David Bass needed to ask several questions of the Nicky Henderson-trained even-money favourite he responded in perfect fashion to …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com