Horse Racing: JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot

It's a weekend before Christmas and horse racing fans look over to the Ascot racecourse at Berkshire for the annual Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race, the JLT Long Walk Hurdle (2:25pm UK time). The race is run for 5,029 metres, bringing the UK's top jockeys and horses to compete for a first spot prize of around £56,270 out of total purse of £100,000.

Tight Race This Year

As opposed to other years, this time the number of runners for the Long Walk Hurdle has dwindled. Currently there are only five contestants with exciting big names such as Zarkandar, Medinas and the winner of the last two long walks, Reve De Sivola.

Odds

Over at online sportsbook bet365, Paul Nicholls' Zarkandar was the highest rated horse in the field today with 5/4. Zarkandar won the Grand Prix D'automne Grade 1 hurdle back in November, what renders him to be a great bet today. In this form Zarkandar is indeed a strong favorite, but he's got some strong competition. Medinas, the winner of last month's bet365 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, is sitting at 3/1 odds despite some lackluster performances before last month's win. Also at 3/1 is Reve De Sivola which had won the last two Long Walk Hurdles but struggled to impress since last year's win.

Offers at bet365 Sports

As always, bet365 Sports is going to be right up in the action at Ascot with live broadcasting on Channel 4. This means that punters at bet365 will be able to enjoy the sportsbook's Price Promise which ensures the best prices updated to the minute.

The punter-favorite Channel 4/1 offer will also apply for today's races with a free bet given to anyone who has backed a single winner at 4/1 or more in a televised race. Don't miss out on this intriguing race at bet365 Sports today.