Lulamba makes perfect chase start at Exeter

Lulamba made a winning debut over fences in the Royal Oak, Heavitree “Chasing Excellence” Beginners’ Chase at Exeter.

Nicky Henderson’s four-year-old emerged as the leading juvenile hurdler in Britain last season, finishing second to Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle before then reversing that form at Punchestown.

Making his chasing debut in what looked a decent race on paper, Lulamba was in receipt of an 8lb weight allowance against the likes of 148-rated hurdler Salver, with that runner helping to force the pace with previous Grade Two winner Tripoli Flyer, while Nico de Boinville was content to sit third.

Low sun meant the number of fences was reduced from 12 to eight but Lulamba negotiated the ones he did have to jump with aplomb, barring one slow leap, with the 2-5 favourite winning by a comfortable 10 lengths from the fast-finishing Fingle Bridge.

De Boinville told Racing TV: “That was fairly smooth I think. I was probably one of the only ones disappointed the fences were taken out down the back as the more fences they can jump in public the better.

“He was a bit active before the race, he tried to go back to the stables before coming out on to the track but he was just very fresh.

“He’s not slow but you can see from the way he jumps he could definitely get further, he’s very clean and makes a lovely shape. More like a Ballyburn than your hurdling types.

“I think over time he’s a horse to be patient with and pick your battles carefully.

“They’ve gone a nice gallop but we were still bunched up turning in before it turned into a bit of a sprint.”

Paddy Power make Lulamba a 3-1 shot for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, with William Hill going 4-1 about his Festival chance.