English raiders dominated the feature Grade 1 two mile AES Champion Hurdle at Punchestown as Nicky Henderson’s powerful travelling Grandouet pulled clear before the last to beat Alan King’s Kumbeshwar to gain compensation for being brought down at Aintree.
The win brought up a double for Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty. Grandouet was backed on course from 3/1 to 5/2 second favourite. Dermot Weld’s Unaccompanied was sent off 11/10 favourite but faded to finish fourth.
“It’s a good day’s work. He deserved that for his consistency, honesty and above all his jumping,” Nicky Henderson said.
“We always thought that Aintree was more his track than Cheltenham but he was brought down there. He deserved this Grade 1.
“It can be tough for a four-year-old to run in three festivals but he always looked like he would win today. Barry was keen to hold onto him as he has a turn of foot.
“We have all summer to think of plans but Barry suggests going chasing. There’s a thing called Hurricane Fly to worry about if we stay hurdling.”
Ladbrokes and Boylesports have Grandouet 20/1 for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next year. Mister Carter was backed at all rates on course from 20/1 to 12/1 but fell four out. His jockey Davy Condon injured his right kidney in the fall and was taken to Blanchardstown Hospital for a scan.
