Grandson of Lady Rebecca wins for Howden

Blue Run, owned by David Howden, was much improved from his hurdling debut when winning a novice hurdle at Southwell on Wednesday. He’s out of Lady Rebecca’s winning daughter Mary Eleanor and was born, raised and grazed at Tweenhills. 

Blue Run had been purchased from Rathmore Stud by Highflyer on behalf of David Howden for €170,000 as a 3yo at the Goffs Arkle Sale in summer 2023. After spending over a year in the Phil Rowley and Nicky Henderson systems, learning his trade on the gallops, he debuted at Warwick in December.

That race proved a non-event as Blue Run made a jumping error and was nursed home by Nico de Boinville thereafter. Such an approach reaped dividends when the partnership beat 12 rivals by 6½ lengths and more at Southwell at odds of 7/1.

It was another National Hunt winner carrying the two-tone green silks of David Howden, who also owns Bad, a chase winner last October for Ben Pauling. Those who follow Flat racing will also know David as the owner-breeder of Gr.2 Royal Ascot winner Running Lion. 

Thirty-three years have passed since David Redvers purchased Lady Rebecca for just £400. She would go onto win seven times at Cheltenham, inc. three renewals of the Gr.1 Cleeve Hurdle. 

Whilst he has a long way to go to match her exploits, the future now looks very bright for Blue Run and we look forward to whatever Nicky Henderson has planned for him next.