Newbury and then Ascot on the agenda for Crambo

will look to set up a defence of his Long Walk Hurdle crown when he makes his intended return in Newbury’s Coral Long Distance Hurdle next month.

The seven-year-old ended trainer Fergal O’Brien’s long wait for a second Grade One victory when edging out Paisley Park in a pre-Christmas thriller at last December, announcing himself as the new kid on the block in the staying division over hurdles.

He failed to reach similar heights at both the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree in the spring but his handler is looking forward to getting his hurdling star back on track in Berkshire on November 29 and has been delighted with what he has seen so far on the training grounds.

“I’m looking forward to Crambo coming back and he will probably start off in the three-mile race at Newbury’s Hennessy meeting, that’s where we will aim him first time,” said O’Brien.

“Then we will hopefully roll on to Ascot at Christmas to defend the Long Walk.

“He’s in great form and we’re really happy with him. He’s working very well and we’ve been pleased with him. Fingers crossed things stay as they are.”