Lulamba on top with taking Game Spirit victory
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 7 Feb 2026
Lulamba cemented his position at the head of the betting for the Arkle at Cheltenham when ultimately running out a convincing winner against his elders in the William Hill Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson was keen to get more experience into his five-year-old having had just the two runs over fences to date and while one of those came in Grade One novice company, it looks a shrewd decision now.
Early on Lulamba took time to warm to his task and was jumping big, causing him to lose his position.
By halfway Nico de Boinville had got him on to the heels of the leaders Saint Segal and Master Chewy, but he was being pushed along turning in.
At the top of the straight, though, the 4-11 favourite clicked into overdrive and put in some of his best leaps.
De Boinville did not have to get too serious with him as he beat Saint Segal by six and a half lengths.
Paddy Power cut him to 11-8 from 6-4 for the Arkle but Coral were more impressed and make him their even money favourite.
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