France double Stayers' Hurdle challenge inspired by all-time great Baracouda

01 March 2023 , 18:36

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Baracouda won 18 times including a record four wins in the Long Walk Hurdle (Image: PA)

France have doubled their Stayers' Hurdle challenge inspired by legendary dual winner Baracouda.

Connections of Henri Le Farceur will stump up almost £15,000 for a shot at the Paddy Power-sponsored big race. Trainer Hugo Merienne, who has had just two runners in England before, has chosen to supplement the six-year-old.

Joining compatriot Gold Tweet in the line-up, Henri Le Farceur arrives at the Cheltenham Festival via a win in the Auteuil's Prix Leon Olry-Roederer Hurdle. All-time great stayer Baracouda, who had two Stayers' Hurdle titles on his superb record, took the Grade 2 in 2000, before he was sent to England by Francois Doumen.

"It's a dream for us to come here, it's like the World Cup," Chantilly-based Merienne said. "We have always thought about it, I'm not sure he really likes Auteuil where all the big races are.

"The Stayers' Hurdle looks quite open. We are very excited to have a runner."

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Emmet Mullins "couldn't be happier" with Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Noble Yeats. One of the main threats to favourite Galopin Des Champs the reigning Grand National hero will run in reapplied headgear.

The 8-1 shot with William Hill was successful at Aintree in first-time cheekpieces and Mullins said: "Obviously, he’s going to have to step forward from his last run but it’s something he’s been able to do in the past and hopefully we can repeat it.”

Jamie Snowden will mull over adding Ga Law to the Festival feature, a horse part-owned by one of the race sponsors.

Michael Wainwright, managing director of Boodles, has to convince his fellow syndicate members to go for gold.

If they commit to the bid, a top four finish would secure his place in April's Grand National.

Melissa Jones