Janika strikes in Haldon Gold Cup

Top weight gives Henderson overdue victory in Exeter feature.

Janika defied top weight to win the Coral Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter for Nicky Henderson.

Thoroughly consistent last season since joining Henderson from France, the six-year-old had nevertheless failed to get his head in front.

He finished second at the Cheltenham Festival to Siruh Du Lac, was then fourth over the National fences at Aintree in the Topham – and was sent off the 5-2 favourite to make a winning return.

Giving 4lb and more to some classy rivals, he handled the drop in trip with ease – and Daryl Jacob always looked comfortable.

Harry Skelton attempted to nick a few lengths coming off the home bend on Destrier – but at the third last, Janika met it spot on and landed in front, gaining an advantage he would not relinquish.

Henderson was winning the race for the first time since the last of Travado’s three successes in 1995.

Janika beat the staying-on Dolos by two and a quarter lengths, with Destrier third and a break back to Lalor in fourth – who kept on all too late, having been outpaced.

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