Newbury then Cheltenham for Long Run

Long Run now looks certain to go for the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury next month ahead of the defence of his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown.

Connections of the seven-year-old, owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, have had that race in mind since Long Run was beaten by Kauto Star for the second time this season in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

"The plan is to go to Newbury for the Denman Chase (February 11th) as I do want to get another run into him before Cheltenham," said trainer Nicky Henderson.

"We narrowed the gap between Kauto Star from Haydock to Kempton and I'd like to think Cheltenham will be in our favour."