Long Walk moved to Kempton on St Stephen's Day

Kempton will be the beneficiary of Ascot's abandonment this weekend, with the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle rescheduled for the St Stephen's Day meeting.

With the King George VI Chase, Christmas Hurdle and Kauto Star Novices’ Chase already on the card on 26 December, English racegoers who have been starved of action over the last two weekends will be in for a treat.

The Long Walk at Ascot on Saturday was due to feature another edition of Paisley Park versus Champ, before the weather intervened.

Champ came out on top in last year’s Long Walk, with Paisley Park turning the tables in the Cleeve at Cheltenham. The pair were third and fourth in the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Paisley Park just in front, while Nicky Henderson’ Champ came out on top in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.

Henderson confirmed to Sky Sports Racing that Champ would be heading for the rearranged race.

"That would be very good news from Champ’s point of view and no doubt Paisley Park’s as well," he said.

"The great thing is these two grand old warriors can go at it again and no doubt some others will join in. It was a great battle the other day and luckily it went our way."

Kempton clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: "We are delighted to be able to play our part in helping reschedule such an important contest, and it will add even more quality to two outstanding days of racing for the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival, we can’t wait."