In a thrilling turn of events at Kempton Park, the Nicky Henderson-trained Iberico Lord delivered a stunning 22-1 surprise to clinch the prestigious £100,000 Coral Lanzarote Hurdle on Saturday. The victory, achieved in the famous green and gold silks of owner JP McManus, prompted high praise from racing legend Sir AP McCoy.
McCoy's Verdict on a Surprise Success
Watching on for National Hunt racing's leading owner, the retired 20-time champion jockey admitted the win was a pleasant shock. "It is nice that Iberico Lord won and a bit of a surprise," said McCoy. "He’s a horse who has won some nice races like the Greatwood and Betfair a few years ago. He also ran in a Champion Hurdle and is a good little horse, you wouldn’t mind a few more like him."
McCoy, 51, speculated on whether the extended trip of the race had aided the seven-year-old, who put some underwhelming recent form firmly behind him. He suggested the plan would likely be to "keep going in races like this and see how we get on."
Bowen Seizes Opportunity in Famous Colours
With Henderson's stable jockey Nico de Boinville sidelined since a fall on New Year's Day, the ride on Iberico Lord fell to James Bowen. The jockey seized his chance with both hands, expertly steering the horse to a four-and-a-half-length triumph over Double Powerful.
"I love riding in these colours when I can and it’s great to ride a winner in them," said a delighted Bowen. "I spoke to the boss [Nicky Henderson] and we agreed on the plan... He’s dropped down to a nice weight as well which probably told."
Iberico Lord, taking advantage of a lower handicap mark, galloped clear in the Coral-sponsored feature. The 16-5 favourite, A Pai De Nom, had to settle for third, a similar distance behind the runner-up, as the Paul Nicholls-trained Fasol just missed out on a place.
Background of a 'Good Little Horse'
The win marked a significant return to form for Iberico Lord, who has a notable pedigree. The gelding had previously landed the competitive Greatwood Hurdle and was good enough to line up in the 2024 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, won by State Man.
His success also continued the remarkable association between owner JP McManus and the Cheltenham Festival, a partnership dating back to 1982 with legends like Istabraq. For trainer Nicky Henderson and the absent De Boinville, this surprise victory provides a timely boost during the heart of the jumps season.
