Hennessy On Lacdoudal Agenda

Betfred Gold Cup winner Lacdoudal is likely to have Newbury's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup as his first major objective next term, providing the handicapper is not too severe.

The seven-year-old came with a powerful late surge to deny the front running Eric's Charm in Saturday's showpiece event to dispel any stamina doubts trainer Philip Hobbs may have had.

And now, says Hobbs, the tough as teak grey will have his next campaign geared around the Grand National.

'He's come back in A1 condition and is finished for the season,' revealed Hobbs.

'While there is no real fixed plan other than the Grand National I would definitely not rule out the Hennessy.

'He demonstrated on Saturday that he was crying out for the longer trip but after the handicapper has reassessed him we could be in a ?twixt-tween' situation as to where to go with him.

'He ran off 152 at Sandown but is likely to be in the high 150s in future,' Hobbs told The Racing Post.

'That makes life more difficult for him in handicaps and begs the question whether we should look at conditions races.

'Hopefully we will still be able to take the handicap route as Newbury should suit him.'

? PA Sport