Strong Leader into single figures for Stayers' Hurdle after 'perfect' reappearance win at Newbury

Strong Leader justified odds-on favouritism to kick off his season with a win in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Friday.

Paddy Power cut him to 8-1 (from 12s) for the Stayers' Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival following the victory.

Sean Bowen positioned the Olly Murphy-trained seven-year-old behind leader Flight Deck in a tactically run four-runner affair before making his move at the top of the straight. 

Monmiral, ridden by hat-trick-seeking Harry Cobden, was the only one to serve up a challenge and briefly headed Strong Leader approaching the last, but the 4-7 shot stayed on best to win by three and a half lengths.

Bowen, who is approaching 100 winners this season, told ITV Racing: "I wanted a lead as he doesn't do a lot in front but he's a strong stayer and I didn't want to be setting it up for the others. It was tactical enough but he's won a shade cosy and got his season off to a good start.

"It was perfect. That's as good as he's ever jumped and we felt he was better than he had ever been coming into his first run."

Murphy will aim Strong Leader at the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 21. A Stayers' Hurdle bid could also be on the cards.

The trainer said: "He never does anything flashy, he travelled through the race strongly and jumped well bar the second last. It was a nice start.

"We left a little to work with. Sometimes you have to stick your chest out and not hide behind things like saying he's not fit enough or it's a confidence run. He's 4-7 and won and all roads lead to Ascot at Christmas.

"Is he going to have to improve to beat Teahupoo? No doubt he is but he improved all through last season. That's only his third start at three miles and I'm delighted."

Coral Cup winner Langer Dan edged out Flight Deck to finish third, nine lengths behind the runner-up.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.

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