Super Kenny will finally get a chance to show if the ante-post interest for the JCB Triumph Hurdle is justified as he makes his British debut at Newbury on Friday.
Nicky Henderson trains Super Kenny
Now trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Super Kenny is already a general 16-1 shot for Cheltenham in two weeks’ time, and even shorter with some bookmakers. He arrives with decent French Flat form, winning several times over nine furlongs and finishing up with a third-placed finish in an extended 10-furlong Listed event at Le Croise-Laroche. He faces five rivals in the Arbuthnot Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle with only one, Rougham, having shown a respectable level of form.
“He has had a few entries in recent weeks but we have been waiting for the right ground,” said Alex Smith, a Highclere director. It’s supposed to be soft, good to soft in places and Nicky feels he will be better on better ground. He has been schooling well and showing a bit at home so we’re looking forward to it.”
Reflecting on the possibility of a quick follow-up in the Triumph Hurdle, Smith added: “It really all depends what happens at Newbury, but if it goes well we’re certainly happy to have a crack.”
There has been added interest in Super Kenny due to the fact former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan and his television presenter wife Gabby are among the members of the syndicate. Smith said:
“There will be plenty of excited owners but unfortunately Gabby is going to be working and Super Kenny is going to be abroad. But Super Kenny is very keen and will definitely be listening on a telephone commentary line somewhere.”
Get the best price on Super Kenny for the Triumph Hurdle
[...] Newbury with Doncaster a close second, both over jumps. One horse I am really looking forward to is Super Kenny, trained by Nicky Henderson who could be a major player in the Triumph Hurdle. He wants good ground [...]