There was a warm ripple of applause across Exeter as Nico de Boinville brought Lulamba back to the winner’s enclosure, giving the talented four-year-old a gentle pat on the neck that spoke louder than any words. It was a small but telling moment — the kind that signals the start of a promising new chapter. And with this polished display, the Lulamba Exeter win felt like the first line of a story with plenty more to come.
The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding, already a dual Grade One winner over hurdles, made a seamless transition to fences with a commanding performance in the Royal Oak, Heavitree “Chasing Excellence” Beginners’ Chase over an extended two miles and a furlong. Settled in third through the early stages, he travelled with confidence before moving to the front four fences from home. From there, the race ceased to be a contest.
At the finish, Lulamba had surged 10 lengths clear of runner-up Fingle Bridge, underlining both his raw talent and his appetite for the larger obstacles. For supporters of the young star, the most reassuring sight was the maturity he showed despite this being his first step into open chasing company.
Last season provided the foundation for today’s success. Owned by Marie Donnelly, Lulamba announced himself at Ascot in January before narrowly missing out to Poniros in the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Cheltenham Festival. He made amends at Punchestown, turning the tables to land the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle in impressive fashion.
Reunited with de Boinville at Exeter, his performance had a calm, educational quality — exactly what connections wanted.
“It was all fairly smooth, I think,” said de Boinville afterward. “I was one of the only ones disappointed the fences were out down the back, but so be it. We came here to educate him, and the more fences they jump in public, the better. He is fresh and well, and he wouldn’t blow out a candle.”
The jockey believes Lulamba’s future will stretch beyond sharp two-mile contests.
“He is not slow, but you can see from the way he jumps that he could definitely go further. He makes a lovely shape over his fences — more in the mould of a proper staying chaser. He’s one who will reward patience.”
Despite four of the twelve fences being omitted due to low sun, the race unfolded at a reasonable tempo. The field remained tightly bunched until the home bend, when Lulamba shifted gears and eased clear, treating the Exeter crowd to a glimpse of what might lie ahead.
“It’s lovely ground and the fences were lovely — I just wish there had been more of them!” de Boinville added with a grin.
With this assured victory in the bag, the path awaits. Whether Lulamba climbs into Grade Two or Grade One novice company soon remains to be seen, but on today’s evidence, Henderson has yet another exciting youngster on his hands.
For supporters of the sport, the Lulamba Exeter win was more than a result — it was the start of a promising new journey over fences.
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