Tag Archive for: Venetia Williams

Gold Cup dream very much alive for L’Homme Presse camp

It could prove an exciting spring for connections of L’Homme Presse, who now have Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup dreams after his Cotswold Chase heroics.

Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old has been a star for the Herefordshire handler and his collection of owners over the years and after finishing best of the Brits when third in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, he outmuscled Stage Star to notch his ninth career success last Saturday.

It was the third time he has returned victorious to the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure, after success in the Dipper in 2022 was followed up by a Cheltenham Festival win that March and his team were delighted to see him showcase his class once again as they enjoyed yet another special afternoon at Prestbury Park.

“It was a tremendous day and I don’t think I took a breath from him jumping two out to crossing the line, it was just surreal and one of those moments you just stand there speechless – time stood still until he crossed the line,” said Pam Sharman, who owns the horse alongside her brother Ray Sharman, Andy Edwards and Peter and Patricia Pink.

“It was sensational, there were 20,000 people at Cheltenham and the cheers they give your horse make it so special.

“He was an absolute dude and Charlie (Deutsch, jockey) said he was so laid-back during the race – and when Charlie kept trying to get him going, it was as if he was saying ‘not yet Charlie, when I’m ready’. As soon as he really asked him after the second-last, he went.

“You wouldn’t know he had a race, he trotted back in. Charlie got a super ride round and he said the horse enjoyed himself, which is the main thing – I’m not sure about me, but the horse did.”

After Dan Skelton stated Grey Dawning will skip the Gold Cup this year, L’Homme Presse’s victory means he is set to fly the flag among a compact home team of British-trained horses set to take on the might of Ireland and the likes of Galopin Des Champs in March.

L’Homme Presse and jockey Charlie Deutsch after winning the Cotswold Chase
L’Homme Presse and jockey Charlie Deutsch after winning the Cotswold Chase (David Davies for The Jockey Club/PA)

L’Homme Presse, of course, led the field over the penultimate fence in last year’s blue riband before suffering an injury and fading into fourth, but having answered any nagging stamina doubts when staying on gamely past Stage Star, all roads now lead back to the Gold Cup with renewed optimism.

“I know it will be a quicker pace in the Gold Cup, but we’ve still got a ticket,” continued Sharman.

“He just did enough to get his head in front of Stage Star and it just goes to show the answer to the question is yes, it did hurt when someone stood on his heel in the Gold Cup, because he definitely stayed the distance last Saturday.

“I think Venetia has 40 per cent of the British-trained entries because she also has Royale Pagaille and more than anything, you would love to win it for the yard, they are such lovely people.”

As well as a tilt at the Gold Cup, Sharman and her fellow owners have the tantalising prospect of watching L’Homme Presse tackle the famous spruce of the Randox Grand National after he was one of 90 initial entries for Aintree’s April showpiece.

Pam Sharman (left), with Charlie Deutsch (centre) and Venetia Williams (right)
Pam Sharman (left), with Charlie Deutsch (centre) and Venetia Williams (right) (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

With class now seen as one of the key ingredients found in winners of the Merseyside marathon, the Grade One regular would be far from out of place in the final line-up.

However, a final decision on his participation will be made by “the boss”, Williams.

“I don’t know how I will be able to last four and a quarter miles without breathing,” continued Sharman.

“He would be a great sight round there and he has got the class. Class horses win that race these days and that’s the bottom line. He will be near the top of the weights, so there will be no worry about getting in, but it’s a long way off and we will see what happens in the period leading up to it.

“Venetia knows what she is doing, she’s the boss and we’ll leave it in her very capable hands.”



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Royale Pagaille handed Haydock redemption mission

Royale Pagaille will return to Haydock for the track’s Grand National Trial after a rare blip at his beloved venue earlier this month.

A dual winner of the Betfair Chase at the Merseyside venue, including when outstaying Grey Dawning in the Grade One event in November, Venetia Williams’ veteran often saves his best for his trips to Lancashire.

He had a rare off-day in the Peter Marsh earlier this month when his jumping fell apart on quicker ground than preferred, but the Herefordshire handler is confident he can now bounce back to his best at a course where he has won five of his seven starts.

Williams said: “He came back with a couple of overreaches but not as bad as he has encountered in the past. He made a very bad mistake, which he can do, going down the back and slightly lost his confidence.

“Each time he’s been beaten at Haydock it has been in the two fastest races he has run in, which is obviously a reflection on the ground. But all being well he will head there next month for the Grand National Trial.”

Royale Pagaille is one of only five British-trained entries for the Gold Cup along with Cotswold Chase-winning stablemate L’Homme Presse, but Williams has sounded a note of warning about his participation in the blue riband, preferring to get the 11-year-old’s next appearance out of the way first.

She added: “We’ll see about the Gold Cup, but as I always say, it is one race at a time.”



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L’Homme Presse puts his head down to deny Stage Star

L’Homme Presse narrowly denied the gallant Stage Star in a thrilling climax to the Betfair Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.

Having finished fourth in the Gold Cup last March, and emerged best of the home team when third on his reappearance in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, the Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse was sent off at 4-5 to cement his status as Britain’s leading hope for this year’s blue riband.

But in Stage Star, who has largely struggled since winning the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham for Paul Nicholls, he came up against a worthy adversary.

Stepped up to beyond three miles for the first time, Stage Star was clearly enjoying himself out in front from an early stage under Harry Cobden, with L’Homme Presse and Irish raider Gentlemansgame the only two able to go with him.

L’Homme Presse was upsides Stage Star from the home turn, but the latter refused to bend in front and it was only in the dying strides the market leader managed to get on top in the hands of Charlie Deutsch, with three-quarters of a length the winning margin.

Coral cut L’Homme Presse’s Cheltenham Gold Cup odds to 16-1 from 25-1, while Paddy Power offer 20-1 from 25-1. The latter firm also trimmed his Ryanair Chase odds to 16-1 from 40-1.

L'Homme Presse returns victorious
L’Homme Presse returns victorious (Adam Morgan/PA)

Williams said: “He keeps us on the edge of our seats, doesn’t he? Charlie said he was so laid-back the whole way round in the race and turning for home said ‘come on now, we’ve got a race to win’.

“I always thought we’d have Stage Star covered, but credit to Stage Star he’s a great horse and made him pull it all out.

“He’s trotted back to the winner’s enclosure here and how many horses do you see run three miles at Cheltenham then trot back. It’s all been relatively straightforward this year and he came back from Kempton in great form so we’ve just been able to make a standard progression to here.

“I’m pleased to get this race in the bag. We’ll see about March and it’s one step at a time, but I’m pleased with that. I think the ground could prove quite relevant in March because he wasn’t getting tired last year and the others only got on top on the way to the line, I don’t think staying the trip will be a problem for him.

“Everyone has built up the Irish as unbeatable and then the entry came from Britain and it was depleted. I think a lot of that is because people get frightened, but at the end of the day it’s who wins the race on the day and you don’t even know if all the main protagonists will get there in one piece. I’m quite surprised we’re one of the leading British contenders, but we’ll see in March.

“He means the world, beyond that I can’t say any more. Charlie says it’s like getting into his favourite car, but when I get in my favourite car I get a speeding ticket. Let’s be very grateful for what we’ve seen today.”

Of Stage Star, Nicholls said: “The step up in trip suited him as he was able to travel.

“In those handicaps, when you’re carrying 12st and have everyone behind you, you’re out of your comfort zone, so that was brilliant to do that today and he’s got every bit of the trip – he galloped all the way to the line. It’s a shame it wasn’t level weights.

“I didn’t put him in the Gold Cup. While he might run a nice race in the Gold Cup, he isn’t going to win a Gold Cup so we’re going to keep him fresh I suppose for the (Aintree) Bowl.

“There’s nothing else for him really as he has to go left-handed, a lot of horses will have hard races at Cheltenham and there’s 19 days between the two.

“That was a really good run today and we’re thrilled.”



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L’Homme Presse ready to stake Gold Cup claims

L’Homme Presse has the chance to put himself in the Cheltenham Gold Cup picture when he returns to the scene of his finest hour for the Betfair Cotswold Chase on Saturday.

Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old has eight victories to his name, with two of his best performances coming at Prestbury Park in his novice chasing days when he first won the Dipper Novices’ Chase before returning at the Festival to gallop his way to Brown Advisory glory.

Triumphs in Newcastle’s Rehearsal Chase and Lingfield’s Fleur De Lys Chase have followed and having been the first British-trained runner home when third in the King George on Boxing Day, connections are excited to return to the gelding’s favoured Gloucestershire venue.

“It will be nice to get him back to Cheltenham, he hasn’t been there since the Gold Cup in March,” said Pam Sharman, who owns the horse alongside her twin brother Ray, partner Andy Edwards and Peter and Patricia Pink.

L’Homme Presse was third at Kempton on Boxing Day
L’Homme Presse was third at Kempton on Boxing Day (John Walton/PA)

“His run at Kempton was superb and we’ve never been so happy to finish third, especially with what happened in 2022 (when unseating Charlie Deutsch at the last).

“He was running on strongly at the finish and it’s a track that won’t particularly suit him and the ground wouldn’t have been in his favour. But he jumped straight and did us proud.

“Saturday will be the least (weight) he has carried since his novice days and he will be running round there like a rabbit, so we’re really looking forward to it and fingers crossed he comes home safe.”

L’Homme Presse led the field over the second-last in the Gold Cup 12 months ago before suffering an injury and bravely carrying on up the hill to finish fourth.

With that still leaving a question mark over the stamina-sapping Gold Cup trip, his team hope his Cotswold Chase outing can give them plenty of clues before an anticipated second shot at the Festival blue riband.

L’Homme Presse returns after winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022
L’Homme Presse returns after winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)

Sharman added: “Is the trip going to suit? We don’t actually know because obviously he got sliced into two from home in the Gold Cup and he ended up with 12 staples, it was awful.

“What we don’t know is did he stop because of that, because I don’t think I would have wanted someone stepping on my heels after running three miles, or did he just not stay? We don’t know.”

She went on: “I’ve worked on racecourses for 30-40 years, but had never owned a racehorse before L’Homme Presse. To own a horse like him and walk in at Cheltenham once when he won the Dipper was good, but to walk in again with him when he won at the Festival, you can’t buy that.

“He owes us nothing, everyone loves him and as owners we’re so humbled by the support he gets, we’re just his guardians. It’s the people who say good luck to us, that’s what makes it so special.”

Mouse Morris’ strapping grey Gentlemansgame is one of two Irish challengers alongside Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work and is already a winner on British soil after taking the 2023 Charlie Hall Chase.

Gentlemansgame is one of two Irish raiders
Gentlemansgame is one of two Irish raiders (Niall Carson/PA)

Pulled up in the Gold Cup, he was last seen staying on into third behind Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File in the Savills Chase at Christmas, with Morris backing his charge to thrive if conditions are testing.

“I still think there’s plenty to come from him, but he hasn’t been the easiest horse in the world to train,” said Morris.

“If we get him right, he’s not bad you know. He finished 12 lengths behind Galopin Des Champs at Christmas and that was a good effort. He was staying on and then made a mistake at the last, that wouldn’t have made any difference but he was staying on.

“I’ve read some trying to suggest he’s not that strong a stayer, but this lad will stay all day, I can assure you of that.

“There’s rain forecast and that will suit him, he doesn’t mind soft ground at all.”

Chantry House is a previous winner of this race
Chantry House is a previous winner of this race (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Chantry House was en route to hunter chasing before serving a reminder of his ability at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and now Nicky Henderson’s veteran will attempt to roll back the years once again in a race he won in 2022.

“He was going to go hunter chasing, but he’s in great form,” said Henderson.

“It’s a hotter race than New Year’s Day with L’Homme Presse and all those in there, but let’s have a good go.”

Stage Star is another with plenty of winning form around Cheltenham and represents Paul Nicholls and the Owners Group, with Seamus Mullins’ Tommie Beau completing the line-up.



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Pagaille team confident ahead of Peter Marsh hat-trick bid

Royale Pagaille bids to continue his love affair with Haydock by claiming a third victory in the Sky Bet Peter Marsh Chase on Saturday.

The 11-year-old has won on five of his six visits to the Merseyside circuit, his only defeat coming at the hands of Cheltenham Gold Cup hero A Plus Tard in the 2021 Betfair Chase.

The Peter Marsh has been abandoned in each of the past two seasons, but Royale Pagaille was victorious in 2021 and 2022, making him the third dual winner after Jodami and General Wolfe, and he returns for the hat-trick bid off the back of successfully defending the Betfair Chase in November.

Joe Chambers, racing manager to owners Rich and Susannah Ricci, said: “Royale Pagaille is going back to his favourite stomping ground on Saturday. He has a lot of weight to carry and give away, given the change in the race conditions.

“We’ll see how he gets on, but he is probably favourite for a reason and hopefully has more than a favourite’s chance at his favourite track.”

Royale Pagaille heads an eight-strong field and must concede upwards of a stone all round, but Chambers is nevertheless expecting the veteran to prove hard to beat.

Royale Pagaille with connections at Haydock
Royale Pagaille with connections at Haydock (Mike Egerton/The Jockey Club)

He added: “He is not facing the same calibre of horse that he met in the Betfair Chase. The ground has improved a little, but as long as it’s suitably hard work, hopefully he’ll be able to lumber 12st round and see the featherweights off.

“I think Haydock suits him well because it has long straights and not many undulations.

“This is actually his third Peter Marsh in a row but obviously the weather has meant it hasn’t taken place for the last two years.

“We are revelling in the quirkiness of his affinity with Haydock. The local crowd are very loyal and seem to have taken quite a shine to him.”

Royale Pagaille’s seven rivals include Sara Bradstock’s London National winner Mr Vango, the Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls-trained Trelawne and Sam Thomas’ Welsh Grand National third Iwilldoit.



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Gold Cup challenge one to relish for connections of L’Homme Presse

Connections of L’Homme Presse are not shying away from the challenge of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Fourth in the blue riband 12 months ago, the former Festival hero is one of just a record-low five British-trained entries among the 19 in the mix for March’s showpiece event, with his stablemate from Venetia Williams’ team, Royalle Pagaille, also among the quintet.

The winner of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in 2022, the gelding has long been one of Britain’s shining lights in the staying chase division and finished best of the home team when third in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on his seasonal reappearance.

That performance gives the L’Homme Presse camp plenty of cause for optimism ahead of the rest of the campaign and having led the field to two out before suffering an injury in last year’s Gold Cup, they see no reason to shirk another tilt at the ultimate chasing prize.

L'Homme Presse finished an honourable third at Kempton
L’Homme Presse finished an honourable third at Kempton (Adam Morgan/PA)

“It’s an early entry and everyone has to get there, but he ran exceptionally well in the King George to finish third and there’s no reason to see why he wouldn’t do us proud again in a Gold Cup,” said Andy Edwards, who owns L’Homme Presse alongside Pam Sharman and Peter and Patricia Pink.

“We have enormous pride to be in the race, the horse doesn’t know if he’s French, Irish or British and it’s great for us.

“Everyone has to be realistic when going in against Galopin Des Champs and Gerri Colombe, who have already proven it, but the young guns still have to prove they can stay three-and-a-quarter miles at that pace and up the hill. We’ve already done that, so I would be hopeful he could run his race and run well.

“We led the Gold Cup field over the second-last fence last year and there’s nothing in the race to fear and we wouldn’t fear it.

L’Homme Presse in action at Cheltenham
L’Homme Presse in action at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

“We were injured at the back of the second-last in the Gold Cup when Gerri Colombe struck into us and the vet said we were lucky to still have him, as it was only a millimetre away from the sheath of the tendon.

“If we’re injury free, hopefully we might stay on a little better from the back of the second-last, where last year he did get that injury.”

L’Homme Presse is a general 25-1 for blue riband glory following Tuesday’s entries, but Edwards has stressed the Gold Cup is not the be all and end all of his season, with a focus on maximising winning opportunities when available over the duration of the remaining months.

Having made the decision to forego an early entry for the shorter Ryanair Chase, he will for now continue to feature over staying distances, with his next appearance slated to be at Prestbury Park in the Betfair Cotswold Chase on January 25.

L'Homme Presse and connections at Lingfield
L’Homme Presse and connections (PA)

“Venetia preferred not to go for the Ryanair when we had a chat and we agreed with her thoughts on that,” continued Edwards.

“However, it’s not ‘all in’ on the Gold Cup because it’s not all about the Gold Cup this season.

“Plan A is to go for the Cotswold Chase and see how he comes out of that. We wouldn’t be averse to having a go at another one before Cheltenham (Gold Cup) and something like the Ascot Chase could be an option if he comes out of Trials day OK. You have to take your opportunities when they are there.

“He had a slight hiccup which meant he just missed out on the Betfair Chase. With these horses and the opportunities of where you can run, the next one is the King George so that had to be his first time out.

“For a seasonal reappearance, Kempton was fantastic, he jumped straight, obviously the ground was a little quicker than ideal but he’s come out of the race well and barring hiccups, we’ll be at the Cotswold Chase.”



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Il Est Francais camp to consider dropping down in distance

A drop back in trip could be on the cards for Il Est Francais after a bold front-running performance saw the French raider pick up the silver medal in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

Trained in partnership by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, the six-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase 12 months ago, but returned to Sunbury with questions to answer after being pulled up on his most recent outing on home soil at Auteuil.

Il Est Francais roared back to form in some style, however, leading his rivals a merry dance for much of Kempton’s Boxing Day showpiece before eventually being reeled in by Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge under a well-judged ride from Paul Townend.

Il Est Francais was 10 lengths clear of the remainder in second and his Yorkshire-born rider James Reveley was proud of his performance in defeat.

“Honestly, I was just going really easy like last year. I felt like I was in second gear all the way round and when I looked behind me and saw I was 20 lengths clear, I couldn’t believe it.

“He just ran out of a bit of petrol coming to two out and I was meeting the last wrong and I didn’t feel like I had enough gas to ask him for a long one, so I had to let him pop it.

“He was brave and gutsy and we were a good second, but we were beaten by a better horse on the day.

“It was all we could ask really, for him to put in his real performance, and I think a drop back in trip might be on the agenda. He might be a Ryanair type.”

While Reveley feels the Ryanair Chase could be a suitable Cheltenham Festival target, George was left considering an even more significant drop in distance for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

“We know he loves it here and we’ll watch the replay and discuss with the owner what the plans are, but you’d be excited to come back here next year anyway,” he said.

“He’s obviously disappointed at Auteuil and I don’t think we’ll be running there on heavy ground ever again. If it’s good ground, you might consider it, but obviously he’s very good here and I think we’ve got to discuss it with all the owners.

“He could even run in the Champion Chase, I don’t think he’d be out of place, but I’ve got to watch the replay and discuss it with everyone. It’s exciting problems to have.

“We wore our heart on our sleeve anyway, we didn’t complicate things and it seems to have paid off. Obviously you’d like to win, but he’s run a cracker and it’s great to get him back.”

L'Homme Presse ran with credit in defeat
L’Homme Presse ran with credit in defeat (Adam Davy/PA)

Venetia Williams was similarly thrilled with the performance of the third-placed L’Homme Presse, who had not been seen in competitive action since finishing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March but kept on well for Charlie Deutsch.

“It’s not often that you say thank you for third, but I think in this case, we very much do,” she said.

“He’s finished a very solid third and was the first home of the British horses. He was the only one coming into the race without having had a run this season and it probably wasn’t completely his ground anyway, so you’d have to be absolutely delighted.

“Charlie’s given him a fantastic ride and given him every chance.”

Last season, L’Homme Presse won the Fleur Du Lys Chase at Lingfield in late January, but a switch of venue means he is unlikely to defend his crown.

Williams added: “That trip round Windsor is not for him, it was fine when it was round Lingfield, but we’ll look elsewhere.”

JP McManus was not making any excuses for his two runners in the King George
JP McManus was not making any excuses for his two runners in the King George (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

The clear favourite for the King George come the off was 11-4 chance Spillane’s Tower, with Jimmy Mangan’s stable star having pushed fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File close in the John Durkan at Punchestown a month ago.

However, the six-year-old never really threatened to land a telling blow and passed the post in fifth place, one position ahead of the other McManus runner Corbetts Cross.

Connections of both horses had voiced concerns about underfoot conditions beforehand, but McManus said afterwards: “I don’t think we’ve any excuses, we were beaten fair and square.

“I don’t think anybody could complain about the ground – it’s lovely ground. We just didn’t have the ammunition, that’s the bottom line.”

Betfair Chase runner-up Grey Dawning was pulled up and Dan Skelton said: “He made a mistake at the first but that was it, the writing was on the wall really.

Randox Grand National 2024 – Opening Day – Aintree Racecourse
Grey Dawning disappointed (Bradley Collyer/PA).

“We weren’t really where we needed to be and with the speed of the race, I wouldn’t say it caught us out, we just were never where we needed to be and never in a rhythm after that first jump because they went so quick.

“Maybe the race did come soon enough (after Haydock) but you can’t say that for certain because it’s not like he’s travelled round and not got up the straight. That’s racing and we have to put a line through it, it’s all we can do.

“The second horse blew the race apart and caught a lot of the three milers out, really. The only horse who could catch him is one who could run over two miles.

“We definitely won’t go for the Fleur De Lys, Protektorat will go there and I would say not about the Cotswold. I really don’t know what we do next. His owner’s on holiday at the moment and when he’s back, I’ll have a chat with him.”



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Royale Pagaille to sidestep King George after ‘minor hold-up’

Royale Pagaille will not run in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The fragile 10-year-old showed all his ability still remains intact when winning a second Betfair Chase at Haydock last month.

He beat Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, who is among the favourites for the Christmas highlight, but crucially the ground was very soft there.

As tends to happen to Royal Pagaille after a run, he has subsequently had a minor hold-up and red-hot trainer Venetia Williams would rather wait an extra few weeks and take him back to his favourite track on Merseyside, where he will bid for a third win in the Peter Marsh Chase.

Williams, fresh from another major Saturday winner with Victtorino at Ascot, will still be represented in the King George by L’Homme Presse.

She said: “L’Homme Presse runs, I don’t think we’re going to take Royale Pagaille.

“He’s had a minor hold-up and I think we’d be cutting it too fine, plus he won’t get his ground anyway.

“He’ll go straight to the Peter Marsh and that’ll be far more up his street and give us another three weeks.”



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Victtorino gives Deutsch and Williams another big Saturday strike

Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams notched yet another big winner when Victtorino was produced to lead right on the line to win the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase for the second successive year at Ascot.

He was sent off the 5-2 favourite having caught the eye in finishing third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, despite making several jumping errors that day.

While his jumping was not foot perfect again, Victtorino did save his best leap for last, when it really mattered.

The pace had been relentless throughout, with three horses helping set it in Trelawne, The Changing Man and Threeunderthrufive.

While that trio were exerting themselves, Deutsch, riding full of confidence after big race wins on Royale Pagaille, Martator, Gemirande and Djelo already this season, was happy to sit detached from the main group.

He gradually moved into contention and with three fences to jump he was fourth, with by now just The Changing Man out in front.

Running down to the last, it was all going to come down to the jumping and Deutsch saw a beautiful stride, which Victtorino agreed with, and they landed running, helping them win by half a length.

It was the second time this season Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man had been denied in a valuable Saturday event by Williams, having come off second best in the Rehearsal Chase behind Frero Banbou.

“I thought halfway up the run-in that he wasn’t going to get there, all credit to the second horse. He’ll be fed up with us because he’s seen our backsides the last two Saturdays he’s run,” said Williams.

Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – Ascot Races – Saturday December 21st
Victtorino and Charlie Deutsch after winning at Ascot (Nigel French/PA).

“I think it (the ride) was absolutely fantastic. It wasn’t quite Paul Carberry, because he gets there with an intention of being last-minute, but that wasn’t Charlie’s intention. The intention would have been to get there earlier.

“The important thing is that he jumped better today. As soon as he jumped the first, he met it slightly long and then came up, I think we both thought we were in business.

“His jumping was so much better and that was key. If that had fallen apart, everything would have fallen apart.

“Ascot have got a series of these three-milers, I think there’s one at the meeting in January.”



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Djelo demolishes Peterborough Chase rivals

Djelo devoured the Huntingdon mud to turn what looked a competitive renewal of the Trustatrader Peterborough Chase into a procession.

Narrowly beaten by JPR One when favourite for his reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter last month, the Ventia Williams-trained six-year-old was a 2-1 chance to go one better and could hardly have been more impressive in the hands of Charlie Deutsch.

After taking a lead from Sarah Humphrey’s stable star Nickle Back for much of the two-and-a-half-mile contest, Djelo was allowed to stride on in front racing down the back straight and in truth the result was not in much doubt thereafter.

With Nickle Back stopping quickly and Minella Drama never threatening to land a telling blow, it was left for Protektorat (6-4 favourite) and Ginny’s Destiny to go in pursuit of Djelo from the home turn, but while both were hard at work the leader was still lobbing along under no pressure whatsoever.

The Williams runner safely negotiated the remaining two fences and came home virtually on the bridle, with Protektorat some six lengths behind in second at the line and Ginny’s Destiny a further seven and a half lengths behind in third.

Coral rate Djelo at 12-1 for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Trainer Venetia Williams (right) and jockey Charlie Deutsch with Djelo after winning at Huntingdon
Trainer Venetia Williams (right) and jockey Charlie Deutsch with Djelo after winning at Huntingdon (Nigel French/PA)

“I’m so thrilled. I’m thrilled for Pete Davies his owner, for Charlie who has ridden him beautifully and for the horse himself primarily,” Williams told Racing TV.

“It was a wonderful performance. Going to the last down the back I looked behind and thought ‘they’re all in trouble now’. He’s finished behind the second horse before, but that was a complete turnaround today.

“He was third at the Cheltenham Festival in the Turners (Novices’ Chase) and he won three races last year. He’s been progressive ever since his attention was turned to fences and let’s hope that’s continuing.”

When asked about future plans, she added: “I don’t know, ask me tomorrow!

“I’d like to think we’ve got two great flagbearers in the three-mile division with Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse and it’s great that this horse is stepping up to somewhere near that sort of level now.

“He’s been running in handicaps up until now and there’s always the possibility of more of those, but he’s going to be going up quite a bit now.”



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Another good Saturday winner for Ned Fox and Venetia Williams

Ned Fox and Venetia Williams teamed up for the second weekend in a row to win a valuable handicap chase, this time with Frero Banbou at Newcastle.

Whereas last Saturday it was Mortator who landed the spoils for the in-form duo over two miles, Frero Banbou had to prove his stamina over three miles.

Fox took up the running with almost a mile to go as Ben Pauling’s Bowtogreatness checked out, and Frero Banbou’s slick jumping meant he was always going to be hard to catch.

However, favourite The Changing Man moved stylishly into contention for Brendan Powell and approaching the second-last looked to have all the momentum.

He got in a bit tight, though, meaning the advantage was back with Frero Banbou (17-2) and when The Changing Man also failed to ping the last, Fox was able to drive his mount out to win by a length and a quarter.

“It’s brilliant, I’m very fortunate to be in the position to ride nice horses on a Saturday for Venetia,” said Fox.

“He’s got a bit of scope to him in fairness, he ran over the National fences last time which helped him switching back to the normal ones, he’s a brilliant jumper.

“That was his first run over almost three miles so he had to prove his stamina today, too. He’s pretty versatile, all ground seems to come alike to him. It’s good ground today, but he’s won on heavy as well.

“That’s my first winner at the track so great to get another crossed off.”



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Djelo pencilled in for Peterborough run

Djelo will head to the Trustatrader Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon next month, following his encouraging return at Exeter in the Haldon Gold Cup.

Trained by Venetia Williams, the six-year-old was twice placed at Grade One level during his novice chasing season, firstly when second in the Scilly Isles before filling the final spot on the podium behind Grey Dawning and Ginny’s Destiny in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

He was sent off the 7-4 favourite for his Exeter reappearance and was staying on strongly when finishing a three-quarter-length second behind Joe Tizzard’s winner JPR One.

Djelo in action at Ascot last season
Djelo in action at Ascot last season (Steven Paston/PA)

Djelo will now creep back up in distance for the two-and-a-half-mile event on December 8, but his trainer feels he remains versatile enough to compete over shorter if ground conditions dictate.

“He will probably go for the Peterborough Chase in a couple of weeks time,” said Williams.

“We will be moving back up in trip a little bit and I think I think it depends on ground (what his trip is). He’s not slow but he did run out of racecourse at Exeter the other day.

“That was on good ground but in testing ground, he still might be effective over shorter.”



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Royale Pagaille gives Rich Ricci landmark winner in Betfair Chase

Royale Pagaille might not be the best horse to carry the familiar pink and green colours of owner Rich Ricci, but he can lay claim to being the toughest after a successful defence of the Betfair Chase provided the ebullient owner with his 100th Grade One winner.

The Venetia Williams-trained 10-year-old is at his best when the mud is flying on Merseyside, as evidenced by a total of four wins from five previous course appearances.

He was an emphatic winner of the Betfair Chase 12 months ago – and while he fractured his shoulder on his only subsequent appearance when falling in Cheltenham’s Cotswold Chase in January, he returned to his favourite stomping ground as a well fancied 11-4 shot after heavy rain turned conditions in his favour.

It was clear from an early stage Royale Pagaille was in his element as he set his own fractions in front under his regular partner Charlie Deutsch.

Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, one of last season’s star novices and the 15-8 favourite, loomed up looking a big threat in the straight and looked set to prevail after poking his head in front on the run to the final fence.

Royal Pagaille, though, was having none of it, battling back on the level to wrestle back the lead and he was two lengths in front where it mattered.

Owner Rich Ricci after winning the Betfair Chase with Royale Pagaille
Owner Rich Ricci after winning the Betfair Chase with Royale Pagaille (Mike Egerton/The Jockey Club)

Ricci said: “It’s fantastic. It was brilliant. The rain came and Venetia has done a brilliant job with him. Willie has won 98 of the 100, but this meant a lot doing it here as I love Haydock. The people here are great.

“He’s not the most talented and probably wouldn’t win the Gold Cup, but his record here is amazing. I heard Grey Dawning had gone past him and I thought he would finish second, but Charlie said he just asked him again and went past him again. It’s just unbelievable.

“The way he dug in after the last was amazing and you just dream of these moments. It would have been nice if Willie had done it (trained 100th winner) because he’s done 98 of them, but it will keep him on his toes as well!”

There is no doubt Royale Pagaille does not possess the latent talent of Ricci greats such as Annie Power, Faugheen and Vautour, but he clearly holds a special place in his heart.

“A lot of the horses we’ve had have been incredibly talented and while he’s talented too, he’s sort of a journeyman. He tries hard and that’s important to me and I thought it was great,” he added.

“You can make as much money as you want, but you can’t buy thrills, happiness and emotion and that is what this sport brings, good and bad.

“We’ve had some great days and some horrible days and it’s these things you live for, that’s why you’re in the game and I love it.”

Trainer Venetia Williams celebrates at Haydock
Trainer Venetia Williams celebrates at Haydock (Mike Egerton/The Jockey Club)

Williams, who enjoyed a double on the card and a winner at Ascot following two winners at the latter venue on Friday, was similarly proud of her stable star’s performance, adding: “It’s unbelievable because he was beaten wasn’t he? He’s had to do all the hard work and was being a bit careful at the obstacles, but he’s not beaten until he’s beaten.

“He’s horse we’re obviously very proud of and I’m thrilled Rich has got a very nice horse to carry his colours in this country.

“I bought him as a four-year-old and he’s very much homegrown. I knew in the summer that Rich wasn’t far off his 100th winner and it was mentioned it would be rather amusing if it occurred here!”

Considering future plans, she added: “We’ve got options. He’s been second in a King George and he would have been back here last year for a third Peter Marsh but it was abandoned. I know it’s a handicap, but that’s obviously an interesting option.

“It’s quite clear that ground is key for him to be at his very best and you don’t often get that after February and into March, but you never know – it might be different this year.”

Grey Dawning leads Royale Pagaille at Haydock
Grey Dawning leads Royale Pagaille at Haydock (Ian Hodgson/PA)

Fierce competitor Skelton admitted to being “gutted” by Grey Dawning’s reverse, but is excited to see what the rest of the season has in store.

“I’m gutted to get beat, but at the end of the day the winner is a hard horse to beat and I take my hat off to him. It looked like we had him beat, but he found a little bit more,” he said.

“I don’t know if we didn’t quite stay the last 50 yards or whether it was the ground. I’m sure he stays, because if he doesn’t stay who does? It is pretty attritional ground.

“He’s improved on last year, that’s for sure. He has to have improved on last year, look what he’s just done.

“It’s disappointing to get beat, but I’m delighted with the horse. The way he jumped on the way round was superb and I think there’s plenty to come. ”

The trainer immediately ruled out a tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, adding: “Christmas will be too soon by probably six weeks, there’s no way you’ll see him at Christmas.

“I’m not hitting the panic button and saying that’s our ceiling. We’ll go home and get him right and you mightn’t see him for a while now, for obvious reasons.

“I have no idea where we will go and with respect I think it’s inappropriate to ask because the horse has just put that on the line.”



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Williams content as Pagaille defends Betfair Chase title

Venetia Williams is hoping lightning can strike twice when Royale Pagaille returns from injury seeking a Betfair Chase double at Haydock on Saturday.

The Merseyside Grade One is known for its repeat winners down the years, with the likes of Kauto Star, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai all multiple entrants on the roll of honour.

Now Williams’ Haydock specialist will bid to join that elite group having produced a career best to cast aside the reopposing Bravemansgame 12 months ago.

Staying on when a final-fence faller in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham most recently, the 10-year-old has a 301-day absence to defy. But he is proven when fresh and his handler has been pleased with his progress leading into what is something of a home fixture for the four-time course winner.

“I’m happy with him and it looks like there will be some rain on the day to soften up the ground a bit,” said Williams.

“He had a nasty fall at Cheltenham in January and fractured his shoulder, it took plenty of time to get over that, so it’s nice to be getting him back on a racecourse. The race has a bigger field this year but we hope he runs well.

“It’s hard to tell with a horse like him (if he is as good as last year) until you get to a racecourse. But I’m certainly happy with his preparation.”

Charlie Deutsch celebrates winning The Betfair Chase on Royale Pagaille
Charlie Deutsch celebrates winning the Betfair Chase on Royale Pagaille (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

If Royale Pagaille is entering the veteran stage of his career, then Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning could have it all before him as connections head to Haydock with Gold Cup ambitions.

A Grade One winner at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring, the seven-year-old appears to have all the attributes to make his mark in the staying division and now bids to follow in the footsteps of the stable’s Protektorat, who won this in 2022.

“He is proven around Haydock, which is a big plus, and he has stayed the trip already at Warwick,” said Skelton.

“He is a Grade One winner and carries through top form from last year as a novice. I’ve never ducked the situation that he has got to come up to their level now, to Grade One level in open company, but I feel he can do it.

“I’ve always felt this horse will be a progressor all through his life. Touch wood, he’s done that for us, but it will be a totally different test on Saturday.

Grey Dawning in action at Cheltenham
Grey Dawning in action at Cheltenham (Adam Davy/PA)

“We want to go down the Gold Cup route. That’s how you start out hoping and the racecourse will tell you whether that’s realistic or not.

“While Saturday is very important, we are not going there apprehensive in any way. We are going there excited with a really good horse. He is as good as any staying chaser we’ve had at this stage of their life.”

Lucinda Russell’s Ahoy Senor returns to a staying trip having dropped back in distance for his seasonal reappearance in Aintree’s Old Roan Chase.

A winner at the highest level over hurdles, he has often frustrated connections with his many near-misses over the larger obstacles, but their confidence is unwavering.

Ahoy Senor has plenty of ability
Ahoy Senor has plenty of ability (David Davies/PA)

Peter Scudamore, Russell’s partner and assistant, said: “His home work is really good. He’s most impressive to watch. He makes you so proud.

“When he won at Aintree and beat various horses like Bravemansgame in that novice hurdle (Sefton Novices Hurdle in April 2021), you think Gold Cup. You think you’ve got that Gold Cup horse and then suddenly when you start racing at that level, you realise (what it takes).

“I don’t blame him in any way. Sometimes there aren’t reasons but I think there have been reasons. I’m not saying he’ll win a Gold Cup, but he’s perfectly capable of being very competitive in a Gold Cup. He was in front when he fell (in 2023). Although it was an uncharacteristic fall, he jumped it OK and it wasn’t one where he’s crashed into it.”

There are three Irish challengers, with JP McManus represented by Willie Mullins’ Capodanno – a supplementary entry into the contest – and Gavin Cromwell’s Limerick Lace.

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon with Hewick
Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon with Hewick (Niall Carson/PA)

Shark Hanlon’s Hewick brings match fitness with him ahead of his raiding mission, with the King George hero edged out by Envoi Allen in Down Royal’s Champion Chase earlier this month.

“He didn’t deserve to lose at Down Royal, he put it all in, I think he’s actually better this year than he was last year,” said Hanlon.

“I couldn’t believe they dropped him a couple of pounds after it. If he was trained by Willie (Mullins), Gordon (Elliott) or Paul Nicholls, he’d be rated 10lb higher, I think.

“His form is as good as there is, but I hope they don’t touch his mark because he’ll be a horse for the English National. I’m very happy to think he’s a 163 horse, anyway!”

Others in the mix include French challenger Gold Tweet, winner of the 2023 Cleeve Hurdle for Gabriel Leenders, plus Patrick Neville’s Charlie Hall scorer The Real Whacker and the Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame, who will be equipped with first-time blinkers after being beaten over three lengths at Wetherby.

Bravemansgame will wear blinkers at Haydock
Bravemansgame will wear blinkers at Haydock (John Walton/PA)

Nicholls said: “The first time we put blinkers on See More Business, we saw a rapid transformation and he won the Gold Cup. It just sometimes focuses their mind.

“Harry (Cobden, jockey) thought he was keeping a bit to himself at Wetherby, I actually thought the ground was quick enough and he was flat out most of the way, but anyway, we put blinkers on this week and it definitely improved him. He’s worked nicely and schooled on Thursday morning and we have nothing to lose.

“I do think we had him fairly ready for the Charlie Hall – I don’t think it was lack of fitness that beat him at Wetherby. He’d been away and done plenty of work and I don’t think there’ll be massive improvement from run to run with him, I’m just hoping the blinkers sharpen him up and focus his mind.

“It’s a competitive race and blinkers or no blinkers, he’s got to run to his very best to be competitive.”



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L’Homme Presse being readied for King George comeback

L’Homme Presse is being prepared to take his place in what is shaping up to be a red-hot running of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

The Venetia Williams-trained nine-year-old will be taking his second shot at the Kempton showpiece having led the field into the home straight in 2022, where he was only headed by eventual winner Bravemansgame after the second last before unseating Charlie Deutsch at the final obstacle.

That would be the last time L’Homme Presse would be seen for 391 days before making a triumphant return in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield last January, after which he was the runner-up in the Ascot Chase before performing with enormous credit when fourth in the Gold Cup.

L'Homme Presse returns after victory at Lingfield
L’Homme Presse returns after victory at Lingfield (Adam Morgan/PA)

A slightly interrupted autumn will see Haydock’s Betfair Chase come too soon for the eight-time scorer, while a defence of his Fleur De Lys crown will be on the radar for the New Year when the race takes place for the first time at Windsor.

However, at present sights are firmly fixed on correcting the record in Kempton’s Christmas feature.

“He’s very well in himself and I think we will go to Kempton if the ground is no better than good to soft,” said Peter Pink, who along with wife Patricia, owns the horse in partnership with Andy Edwards and Pam Sharman.

“The trouble is when you are a Group One horse, there aren’t many options over here in this country before Christmas. He won’t be ready for Haydock and Venetia is getting him ready for the King George which is going to be a hot race I think.

“We’ve had a couple of little injuries and he had a little bit of colic, but he is fine now and Venetia said she will have him spot on and at the moment he is in good form.”

L'Homme Presse and connections at Lingfield
L’Homme Presse and connections at Lingfield (PA)

He went on: “We’ll probably look at the Fleur Du Lys again as well and will probably go there anyway. Touch wood we get lucky and don’t get any injuries or any setbacks.

“Andy (Edwards) goes over there all the time to see him and give him his carrots and he’s well and he looks big. He’s not got many miles on the clock and Venetia has done a great job and Andy feeds him plenty of carrots – what more could you want!”

L’Homme Presse was sent off the 9-4 favourite in his previous King George appearance, but given the strength of this year’s contest he is available at 25-1 with sponsors Ladbrokes, with French raider Il Est Francais currently heading the betting.

L’Homme Presse in action at Cheltenham
L’Homme Presse in action at Cheltenham (David Davies/PA)

Connections are well aware of the stiff task that lies in wait, but are hopeful their horse of a lifetime can outperform his long odds if encountering some preferred juice in the ground.

“The ground will be a big thing but hopefully we will get some rain. If it is good ground we may not run him, but if the ground is on the soft side you have got to have a go at it,” continued Pink.

“It’s going to be a tough race, but if the ground is good to soft and he goes there in good form then hopefully we will have an outside chance.”



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