The likes of Kauto Star, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai are among the multiple winners of the Grade One Betfair Chase and Royale Pagaille adds his name to illustrious company with successive victories in the big highlight - and the 20th running of the race - for trainer Venetia Williams, jockey Charlie Deutsch and owners Rich and Susannah Ricci.
Out in front on the turn for home and in testing conditions, the young up-and-comer Grey Dawning looked posied to strike in Royale Pagaille's slipstream but the older horse would not lie down as both horses showed real heart in the closing stages with the winner making it five wins from six starts at Haydock Park.
This victory also brought up a remarkable 100th Group or Grade One winner worldwide for Rich and Susannah Ricci and their iconic silks.
Ricci said: “It’s fantastic. It was brilliant. The rain came and Venetia has done a brilliant job with him. Willie [Mullins] 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.
“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!”
Williams 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.”
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