L'Ami lands big-race treble for Henderson with late surge

Sometimes a victory means that little bit more. Success in the Betway Aintree Hurdle secured a 31-1 Grade 1 treble for Nicky Henderson and 17-1 top-level double for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, but this was all about L’Ami Serge.

The ultra-talented eight-year-old has been called some names, fairly or otherwise, during his career, but the ability has always been there. It all came together on an overcast day at Aintree.

A ferocious gallop set by Diakali ensured this was a stiff test of stamina. L’Ami Serge, successful in the French Champion Hurdle last year, relished it, staying on powerfully to lead at the final flight and run out a three-length winner over Supasundae.

Paddy Power introduced L’Ami Serge, a three-time scorer at the highest level, into their Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle market at 20-1, in which he finished eighth last month.

Henderson, who also saddled fourth-placed My Tent Or Yours, said: “L'Ami Serge deserves to win one like this for all the times he’s gone close.

“He’s been called a few names and threatened to win a race of this calibre. You could never be too confident when he got there like that at the last, but I’m delighted that he’s won a big one here. He’s been a star along the way.

“We’ve declared him in the Stayers’ Hurdle on Saturday and first of all Daryl [Jacob] was telling me after the race that he’d only raced for the last furlong and could go again, but then he suddenly remembered he’s riding Wholestone in the race so ended up deciding that L’Ami Serge was knackered!”

The relentless pace subsided in the home straight, with Clyne seizing the lead, although it was a late surge from the winner, produced expertly by man of the moment Jacob, that proved decisive.

L'Ami Serge: had the race run to suit at AintreeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Henderson said: “They didn’t go a strong enough gallop for him at Cheltenham but this panned out perfectly for him. He wants them out on their feet in front of them and he’ll head back to France for the Champion Hurdle.

“My Tent Or Yours ran a smashing race. I thought he was going to get there at one point but that soft ground probably found him out a little.”

A recent phonecall from bloodstock agent David Minton offered significant hope to Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, regarding the chances of L’Ami Serge in whichever race he contested at the meeting.

Bromley said: “David rang me last week and said L’Ami Serge had just done the most spectacular piece of work he’d ever seen, so he’ll be telling us all he can read a gallop now!

“L’Ami Serge has always threatened to win a big race and that was just lovely – I didn’t expect him to win.

“It’s been a magical day for all of us involved and to land two big-race winners on the day, and three for Nicky, is wonderful.”

Punchestown target

The Punchestown festival remains on the agenda for runner-up Supasundae, who looked to have come with a winning run but was soon swept aside by the decisive victor.

Jessica Harrington said: “It was a super run and there are no excuses – he was simply beaten by a better horse on the day.

“We’ll wait until nearer the time but he’ll head to Punchestown for either the 2m or 3m hurdle.

"He'll stay over hurdles next year. He's come a long way in the last two years and, if I can maybe make a few tweaks with him, we may just eek out a couple more pounds of improvement."

'Race of his life'

The Evan Williams-trained Clyne produced a career-best performance, keeping closest tabs on the pacesetter and figuring strongly in the home straight. To his credit, he stayed on willingly to finish just under seven lengths back in third.

Rider Adam Wedge said: “He’s run the race of his life and we’re very happy with him. He tried his heart out.

“He’s improving all the while and he can only get better next season – he’s an exciting horse.”

Result, replay and analysis

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