Baracouda shines at Ascot

Baracouda cemented his reputation as being the leading stayer in Europe when winning Ascot`s Long Walk Hurdle for the second year running today.

Francois Doumen`s six-year-old defended his unbeaten record in Britain and extended his winning sequence to seven when breezing home at 2-5.

Having taken a keen hold in the early stages under trainer`s son Thierry Doumen, Baracouda stalked former stable mate Bounce Back from the fourth last flight. Having headed his fading rival at the second last, he bounded clear in strides and cruised home by 24 lengths from Ballet-K, who ran on late from the rear.

The trainer was suitably satisfied.

'He`s a wonderful horse and for the moment he is always confirming his value,' said Doumen. 'Obviously he was proper value to win today and he kept his promise, which is very satisfactory.

'For the moment, so far so good. There is still a long way to Cheltenham. Next is holiday. He will have a bit of a break in January and he will come back in February, although we haven`t decided where.

'Nothing has been bothering the horse, so we will carry on as planned. I think he might prefer soft ground, but good ground doesn`t stop him. He`s a good-actioned horse.

'I don`t want to look too satisfied, but I`m pleased.'

The jockey was equally happy, Thierry Doumen adding: 'It`s a treat to ride a horse like that. You just have to press the button at the right time and there you go.'

Baracouda was trimmed to 5-4 from 6-4 for the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival by Paddy Power, while Coral took a stronger view, cutting him to 4-6 from even money.

The French father and son team completed a double when Never became the 50th winner owned by 'The Voice of Racing' Sir Peter O`Sullevan in the Grade Two Gerrard Novices Hurdle.

Emma Lavelle saddled her biggest winner when Odagh Odyssey, owned by her father, Richard Lavelle, took the PML Handicap Chase.

Beethoven, carrying the colours of Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble, made a wining debut over obstacles in the Mitie Group `National Hunt` Novices Hurdle.