Nicky Henderson© Photo Healy Racing
William Henry claimed top honours in the 32Red Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton.
The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old was one of three horses allotted top-weight in the fiercely-competitive handicap, although leading conditional James Bowen claimed a very handy 5lb.
There were still several horses in with a chance jumping the second-last hurdle, but approaching the final obstacle it was between 7-1 shot William Henry, Red Indian and Spiritofthegames.
William Henry produced a big leap when he needed one to to take a slender advantage and found plenty for pressure on the run to the line to score by three-quarters of a length.
Spiritofthegames was a clear second, while Red Indian just held the fast-finishing Topofthegame for third.
Bowen said: "I can't thank Mr Henderson enough for giving me the opportunity to ride him. I thought he had a very good chance and he has gone and done it.
"I've done plenty of schooling with him since his last run over fences. I think he might have just scared himself a bit that day.
"He jumped really well today and there is no reason why he can't go over fences again."
He added: "I can't believe things are going as well as they are, it's incredible. Hopefully it will keep going."
