Crambo and Strong Leader set to face strong Irish challenge in Long Walk Hurdle as Ascot declarations are revealed

Last year's winner Crambo and Stayers' Hurdle second favourite Strong Leader will face strong Irish opposition in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday (2.25), with four runners making the journey to Britain. 

Crambo denied veterans Paisley Park and Dashel Drasher in a thrilling pre-Christmas treat in last year's running of the Grade 1, but disappointed in two subsequent runs at the big spring festivals.

In contrast, Strong Leader enjoyed his first success at the highest level at Aintree and reappeared this season in similar form by landing the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

The pair will face fresh opposition from Ireland this time around, headed by the remarkable improver The Wallpark, who will run for the first time since being purchased by JP McManus. 

Curiously an Irish-trained horse has never won the Long Walk, with multiple Graded winner Hiddenvalley Lake, Cheltenham and Haydock winner Shoot First and Lismullen third Eagle Fang all hoping to buck the trend.

Last year's fifth and sixth, Blueking D'Oroux and Botox Has, are back for more, while runaway Grade 3 winner Kateira and Berkshire National scorer Beauport complete the ten-runner field. 

The Irish theme continues elsewhere on the card as three of the four runners in the Howden Graduation Chase (1.50) come from across the Irish sea as Fil Dor, Jungle Boogie and James Du Berlais take on Iroko. 

Gavin Cromwell is responsible for the sole Irish runner in the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (3.00), with Hartur D'Arc one of eight declared. Venetia Williams will bid for another big weekend success with last year's winner Victtorino, while Kim Bailey fields Trelawne and Two For Gold.

Threeunderthrufive, The Changing Man and Flegmatik were also declared alongside French runner Heloy Delabarriere for Arnaud Chaille-Chaille.

In the concluding Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (3.35), the second and third from the Greatwood Hurdle, Be Aware and Dysart Enos, will renew their rivalry. Among their 11 opponents are Steel Ally, Kihavah, Favour And Fortune and Kabral Du Mathan. 

Our Champ, Tritonic, Go Dante, Fiercely Proud, Impero, Secret Squirrel and Black Hawk Eagle were also declared.

Howden Long Walk Hurdle confirmed runners and riders

Beauport Sam Twiston-Davies
Blueking D'Oroux Harry Cobden
Botox Has Caoilin Quinn
Crambo Jonathan Burke
Hiddenvalley Lake Darragh O'Keeffe
Shoot First Philip Byrnes
Strong Leader Sean Bowen
The Wallpark Mark Walsh
Eagle Fang Oakley Brown
Kateira Harry Skelton

Howden Long Walk Hurdle, December 21
Paddy Power: 2 Strong Leader, 3 The Wallpark, 6 Crambo, 7 Shoot First, Kateira, 8 Blueking D'Oroux, Hiddenvalley Lake, 20 Beauport, 25 Botox Has, 33 Eagle Fang.

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