Lyvius lives up to top billing at Warwick

Nicky Henderson might have been taking a brief post-Cheltenham holiday but his stable continues to send out the winners regardless, as 1-9 favourite Lyvius obliged at Warwick yesterday without breaking sweat.

Henderson retreated to Switzerland after an astonishing festival, where seven victories earned him the position of the most successful trainer in the history of the meeting, as well as nosing him just past Paul Nicholls in the 2011-12 championship standings.

Lyvius’ place in the Cheltenham squad was revoked when he failed to beat Gottany O’s in a Triumph Hurdle prep-run at Newbury, although there is a reasonable chance he could appear at another of the big spring events after proving far too good for his rivals in the TurfTV Novices’ Hurdle.

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Already a winner on his British debut at Kelso, the David Bass-ridden Lyvius did not extend himself to draw five lengths clear of Beggar’s Velvet on the run-in.

Henderson’s assistant, Ben Pauling, said: “That was as expected, really. He still didn’t jump brilliantly. He’s still a bit big and bold, but when he got in tight to them he was a bit slicker.

“He had to win at Newbury really, as we don’t run horses in big races unless we think they can win. I imagine he’ll go for a better race now, maybe at Aintree or in a decent handicap somewhere.”

Nicholls trails by the racing equivalent of loose change in the championship and the Grand National meeting will prove decisive with Henderson stars like Long Run, Burton Port, Finian’s Rainbow and Sprinter Sacre all potential runners.

“The boss gets back tonight, but the horses are all as fresh as daisies,” said Pauling.

“It’s amazing really, and hopefully we’ll go to Aintree with a strong team.”