Cheltenham Festival: Triumph favourite Lulamba cruises to impressive British debut at Ascot for Nicky Henderson | Racing News happymamay

Lulamba lived up to the hype when comfortably representing fellow French import Mondo Man in the BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle at Ascot.

Nicky Henderson’s Goal scored five lengths clear in a 16-runner contest at Auteuil on his racecourse debut after being the subject of glowing reports since arriving at Seven Barrows.

Mondo Man was purchased for €520,000 after showing great ability on the flat, in particular finishing fifth in the French Derby and fourth behind Calandagan in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Gary and Josh Moore’s sprinter raced very freely at the rear early, while Nico de Boinville took up an advantageous position at Lollamba as he tracked Vianney.

Caoilin Quinn allowed Mundo Man to move three lengths ahead, but Lulamba always traveled well and the 4/5 favorite went to the front smoothly in the home straight before scoring by three and a half lengths.

The winner has been reduced to 6/4 for Triumph Hurdle Glory at Cheltenham by Betfair, Coral and Paddy Power.

Don’t take any chances He continues strong to upset favorite Kargese in the Grade 2 BetMGM Mares race.

The Willie Mullins-trained Kargese was making her first outing since capping off an impressive juvenile campaign by achieving a Grade 2 success at the Punchestown Festival last May.

However, the 2/5 Market Leader traveled nicely under Paul Townend and looked set for victory when he set off to challenge Oh Betty for second.

Take No Chances (13/2) did not read the script, however, producing a determined surge to jump to the front in the final flight before fighting bravely to beat Kargese by three-quarters of a length.

The Dan Skelton-trained winner recorded the best performance of her career with victory, and winning jockey Kellan Woods praised her consistency, with her 15-race career having included four previous wins, as well as a string of places.