Son Of Ocovango Raises Grade 3 Imperial Cup

Langer Dan (5g Ocovango - What A Fashion, by Milan) thrilled connections with a career-best performance to win Saturday's feature at Sandown, the Grade 3 Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle.

A Listed winner at three, the Dan Skelton-trained bay made a promising return to action last month and was reunited with Harry Skelton at the weekend. Racing towards the back of the field, he made smooth headway approaching the second last and was travelling with eye-catching ease jumping the final flight. Soon in front, he raced clear on the run-in to win by four and a half lengths.

Speaking after the race, the delighted winning trainer said, “I’ve got so much admiration for him. He's so tough and he's great.”

Owned by Colm Donlon and bred by Hugh O’Connor, Langer Dan hails from the first crop of Beeches Stud sire Ocovango. The Group 2 winning and Group 1 placed son of Monsun is also responsible for point-to-point winner Percy Warner, who is unbeaten over hurdles.