Baracouda cemented his reputation as being the leading stayer in Europe when winning Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle for the second year running yesterday.

Francois Doumen's six-year-old defended his unbeaten record in Britain and extended his winning sequence to seven when breezing home at 2 to 5.

Having taken a keen hold in the early stages under trainer's son Thierry, Baracouda stalked former stable mate Bounce Back from the fourth last flight. Having headed his fading rival at the second last, he bounded clear in strides and cruised home by 24 lengths from Ballet-K, who ran on late from the rear. "He's a wonderful horse and for the moment he is always confirming his value," said Doumen. "Obviously he was proper value to win today and he kept his promise, which is very satisfactory. For the moment, so far so good.

"There is still a long way to Cheltenham. Next is holiday. He will have a bit of a break in January and he will come back in February, although we haven't decided where."