News Nicky Henderson fires two arrows at Kempton heat

Nicky Henderson fires two arrows at Kempton heat

racing

Nicky Henderson will fire a twin assault at the Better Odds With Betfair Exchange Hurdle at Kempton on Sunday after deciding to let both My Tent Or Yours and Hargam line up in the Listed contest.

Dual Grade One winner My Tent Or Yours ran a fantastic race to chase home Annie Power in last season's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham following an absence of almost two years and was a clear second to the brilliant mare again at Aintree the following month.

He rounded off his campaign by finishing third behind another Willie Mullins-trained mare in Vroum Vroum Mag at Punchestown and Henderson is looking forward to his return to action this weekend.

"I think 'Tent' is ready. He's done plenty and we're very happy with him," said the Seven Barrows handler.

"It would be nice to see a bit of rain. There is some around, so hopefully it arrives at Kempton."

Hargam, who like My Tent Or Yours carries the colours of leading owner JP McManus, was a high-class juvenile two seasons ago, but had his limitations exposed in the top grade last term.

However, the five-year-old does have the benefit of a recent outing, having finished third in the Istabraq Hurdle at Tipperary at the start of the month.

Henderson said: "There isn't a lot of opportunities for these horses at this time of year, so we've decided to let them both run.

"Hargam has already been to Ireland and had a run on soft ground. He's in good form."

Mister Miyagi won three of his four starts over hurdles last season for Dan Skelton and makes his first appearance since winning at Cheltenham in April.

Oliver Sherwood's Kingwell Hurdle winner Rayvin Black was last seen finishing second on the Flat at Goodwood in May.

"I'm totally wrong at the weights, giving away 8lb to My Tent Or Yours and Hargam, but it was either this or lump top-weight in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, so we've opted for Kempton," said Sherwood.

"He's been a wonderful servant so hopefully they'll get a bit of rain and he can enjoy a good run round as it's a nice place to get him up and running for the season.

"He was third in the race last year and is better going right-handed, so even though we've got a mountain to climb, it seems the best route for him.

"It's not easy to place a horse rated 147, so when we can start training on the grass as it gets a bit softer I'm dying to put him over a fence to see if that can open up some more options."

The Evan Williams-trained Court Minstrel and Gwafa from Paul Webber's stable complete the six-strong field.

Williams said: " It's just a nice place to start for him. The old boy's not getting any younger but he looks well.

"He won't mind the ground being on the quick side and, although it's a tough ask, we'll just look to keep him going in races like this and see how things go."

Listed honours are also up for grabs in the Pay And Watch Racing UK Via Mobile Novices' Hurdle, which has attracted five runners.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles Black Corton, who won as he liked on his return to action at Newton Abbot earlier in the month, while Taper Tantrum bids to make it three from three over jumps for trainer Michael Bell and champion jockey Richard Johnson.

Bell said: "He's looked a very smart recruit to the jumping game and has won his two races nicely.

"It's the first time we've met one of Mr Nicholls' horses, so it might be a different ball game, but our horse is a slick jumper and Richard Johnson rates him pretty highly.

"It will be interesting to see how we get on."