Christmas Hurdle News Two former winners of the Stan James Christmas Hurdle will try to stop Punjabi from chasing a #1million bonus on Boxing Day. Nicky Henderson's gelding, who took the "Fighting Fifth" at Wetherby, needs to win at Kempton and then in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle to collect the money from betting exchange WBX. Standing in his way will be Noel Meade's 2004 victor Harchibald, who was headed by Straw Bear in the race a year ago. Straw Bear has been returned to the smaller obstacles by trainer Nick Gifford after failing to set the world alight over fences. There are five other horses declared, with Henderson also choosing to revert Afsoun to hurdles - but a more potent challenge may come from Snap Tie. He was not far behind Captain Cee Bee and Binocular in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and beat champion hurdler Katchit over course and distance in October. Wetherby third Blue Bajan, Paul Nicholls' unknown quantity Pierrot Lunaire and the John Quinn-trained Leslingtaylor complete the line-up. Khyber Kim and Aitmatov were the only withdrawals.
