Henderson hails "very special" Gold Cup victory

Maiden Gold Cup victory "something to savour" for Lambourn trainer

LAMBOURN trainer Nicky Henderson has hailed one of the greatest victories of his 33 year career after Long Run stormed home to take the Gold Cup at Cheltenham yesterday (Friday) in a race that will live long in the memory of racing fans everywhere.

"It was a very special day, something to savour, but the Gold Cup is always special and this was a marvellous way to win," he told Newburytoday.co.uk this morning as he prepared to board a plane out of the country on a short break.

Despite a trophy cabinet overflowing with prizes in the National Hunt game, the Gold Cup, for many the most prestigious race in the calendar, had always eluded the Lambourn handler.

The six-year-old horse, a 7-2 favourite going into the race, ended a bad week on a high for Mr Henderson after the debacle over Binocular, withdrawn from the festival after medication failed to clear his system on time.

"We have all felt a little bit battered after the last week and are looking forward to a break, but what a way to end it," said Mr Henderson.

Although he has a real chance at winning his first trainers title since 1987, Mr Henderson insisted he wasn't looking too far ahead.

To add to the occasion, in victory Sam Waley-Cohen, son of owner Robert, became the first amateur jockey in 30 years to win the race.