Henderson’s cheeky move to aid Run bid

LONG RUN will wear cheekpieces for the first time in a race when he seeks to win his second Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 15.

Trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed the extra headgear would probably be used on the 2011 winner after a positive schooling session under big-race jockey Sam Waley-Cohen.

Henderson said: ‘There was no doubt he had that little extra — they helped him. We only put cheekpieces on him and I have no intention of going further than that.

‘In all probability, he will wear cheekpieces come the Gold Cup. Today was test pilot day.’

Cheekpieces, which restrict peripheral vision, are used to focus a horse’s mind but are less harsh than blinkers.

Henderson will work Champion Hurdle hope Grandouet and Arkle Trophy favourite Simonsig at Newbury tomorrow.

Also in action at the Berkshire course will be Oliver Sherwood’s Puffin Billy, who is back on track for the Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle. He has recovered from the poisoned foot which came to light after his recent Exeter defeat by Melodic Rendezous.

Sherwood said: ‘ He won’t do anything serious but I don’t want him to associate a racecourse with pain.’

Kim Bailey’s decision to run highly-regarded Harry Topper i n the Premier Chase at Kelso today means he will miss the National Hunt Chase at the Festival. Gary Moore’s Leo Luna, a juvenile hurdle winner at Newbury yesterday, is an Aintree possible, while runnerup Gassin Golf could still take up his Triumph Hurdle entry, according to trainer Richard Lee.