STRIKE TO POSE

First Grade 1 success as Henderson admits: He was pretty flawless

- BY DAVID YATES

IMPOSE TOI completed his ascent to the top of the stayers’ summit with a first Grade 1 success in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

The Nicky Henderson-saddled seven-year-old had marked his first foray outside handicap company to beat Strong Leader in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.

Half a length had separated the pair that day, but Impose Toi underlined his progress by extending the winning margin to a length-and-a-quarter under Nico de Boinville, despite meeting his rival on 6lb worse terms.