Paisley Park raises the roof at Kempton with Long Walk triumph

/by

Paisley Park raised the roof at Kempton by winning the rescheduled Ladbrokes Long Walk Hurdle.

Trainer Emma Lavelle had voiced concerns pre-race that staging the race at such a sharp track would not suit her stable star – and that looked sure to be proven right as the soon-to-be 11-year-old began to lose touch turning into the straight.

It was Champ, who had made all the running, who looked to hold all the aces as he was still travelling well for Jonjo O’Neill junior, while Goshen – trying three miles for the first time – had still to play his hand.

But as stamina possibly began to tell, Goshen had no more to give and Champ was soon sending out distress signals, too, as Aidan Coleman and his old partner began to stay on relentlessly.

On jumping the last Paisley Park (9-2) just took off in front and from there the result seemed inevitable as he powered away to win by four and a quarter lengths from Goshen to gain a fourth Grade One success.

Coleman told ITV Racing: “That’s three Long Walks he’s won now, two at Ascot and one at Kempton.

“I find it hard not to get emotional about him as he’s an absolute pleasure. He’s been a mainstay of my career for a long period of time, he’s taken me to places that I’m struggling to repeat – especially this year.

“The better horses I ride are getting a bit older apart from Jonbon, but then along comes this fellow and he is a testament to Emma and Barry (Fenton) and their team.

“He’s running in three-mile slogs for six years now, it’s nearly unheard of.”

He added: “He picked up well and going to the last I knew I’d win. I actually got the front too soon, I don’t think I’ve ever given him a good ride!”

Fenton, Lavelle’s partner and assistant, said: “It’s just unbelievable really, he pulls it out of the bag every time. He just seems to have that spark back this year.

“I was a bit worried over the first two hurdles but even tacking him up before the race, he just seemed right. He’s not even just a bit better than last year, he feels like he’s as good as we’ve had him. Last year everything was a bit hard work, even training him at home, but this year he seems bright and happy and enjoying himself. He’s one of those horses.

“This was probably his least favourite ground, but I said to Aidan that this is Paisley Park and you never know what is going to happen. To be fair I was happy going to the third-last and it was just when we landed at the back of it that all of a sudden we were under the pump and under it proper.

All smiles for connections of Paisley Park
All smiles for connections of Paisley Park (John Walton/PA)

“The dead ground probably helped us in the sense that the others came back to him and once he gets a feel that the others are coming back to him he’s at it again.

“He’s one of those horses and he always pulls through. We nearly lost him a couple of times, but he’s a fighter and he pulls through. He’s a poker player and I’d hate to play poker with him as you would not know what’s under his sleeve! That’s the way he trains at home, he takes his every day stuff with a pinch of salt but he’s an incredible horse.

“I’ve spoken to Emma and she’s happy and funnily enough I’ve spoken to Andrew (Gemmell, owner) on the phone. He’s down in Australia so I’m gutted for him that he’s not here, but at least the race was on after Ascot and I was giving him the commentary.

“I won’t say what he said at the end, but he was very happy anyways!”

Goshen jumped the last in third but battled back past Champ
Goshen jumped the last in third but battled back past Champ (John Walton/PA)

Of Goshen, Josh Moore, assistant to his father, Gary, said: “He ran well. You would rather run him over these trips or two and a half miles, but there are not many of them about, especially right-handed. You would have probably the race rather been at Ascot as that might have suited him a bit better. He has run well.

“He is only a six-year-old and both Paisley Park and Champ are 10 year-olds. Hopefully there will be other targets for him. We will give him another go over fences when it is heavy ground.”

Nicky Henderson said of Champ, who got the better of Paisley Park when they met in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury: “It was a great race, but he is better going the other way. Barney (Clifford, clerk of the course) said he was going to have some nice soft ground and well done them for putting it on and we are grateful for that, but he is better going the other way round. He does everything to his left.

“He could do that (go for the Cleeve). He is a very good horse when he is fresh though. We ummed and ahhed whether to go to Newbury or keep him fresh for the Long Walk and we opted for Newbury as we thought we had the opportunity there. It was a great race and we got that.

“I was very pleased when this was delayed a week as it gave him an extra week to freshen up a bit more. His jumping was a bit untidy at times as he wanted to go left and the course goes right. You could easily do that (keep him fresh for the Stayers’ Hurdle).It is not ducking or diving, he just loves to be fresh.”

High Definition makes no mistake on jumping debut

/by

One-time Derby favourite High Definition made a successful start to his jumping career in the opening race of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.

The Galileo colt looked every inch a Classic contender in the making after charging home to win the Beresford Stakes as a two-year-old, but had failed to get his head in front in 12 subsequent starts.

However, he has been placed in the Dante at York, the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and the Coronation Cup at Epsom and brought serious class to proceedings in the All About Sunday Maiden Hurdle.

Making his first start for Joseph O’Brien, having previously been trained by his father Aidan, High Definition (9-2) was sent straight to the lead by JJ Slevin, who appeared keen to ensure the two-mile contest was a searching test of stamina.

The four-year-old was not entirely convincing in the jumping department racing down the back straight, but remained in front turning for home and with the final flight omitted he kept up the gallop on the run-in to score by four and a quarter lengths from Jetara, with 4-5 favourite Parmenion only third.

Coral cut High Definition to 14-1 from 25-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

O’Brien said: “It was a nice start over hurdles for him. On the whole he put up a good enough round of jumping. He was a bit green at a couple and having to make the running on his first run over hurdles wasn’t ideal. He went particularly right at one in the back.

“There seemed to be plenty of well-fancied horses in the race. The second was a very good filly in bumpers and Willie’s (Mullins) was well fancied in third.

High Definition leads the field round at Leopardstown
High Definition leads the field round at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

“We’ve had him since October. The plan was to come here for a maiden and we were happy with his schooling at home.

“He was a high-class Flat horse so you would be hoping he can make it into Graded company over hurdles.”

Considering future plans, the trainer added: “Obviously we would be looking at Cheltenham, but he would have to run somewhere between now and then.

“We’ll see how he is after this and speak with the owners before making a plan. The Dublin Racing Festival is an option, but whether we want to go straight into that class or take baby steps we’ll have to see.”

Paul Townend with Dark Raven after winning at Leopardstown
Paul Townend with Dark Raven after winning at Leopardstown (Brian Lawless/PA)

Willie Mullins enjoyed better fortune in the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle, with even-money favourite Dark Raven maintaining his unbeaten record on his return from a lengthy absence.

The Malinas gelding won twice in the bumper sphere in the spring of 2021, but had not been seen in competitive action since the latter of those triumphs at Fairyhouse 631 days ago.

Paul Townend’s mount proved his ability remains very much intact as he knuckled down to make a successful comeback by three lengths from Doctor Bravo.

Mullins said: “He had setbacks last year and we decided to take the season off, so he’s come back nicely this season. He looks to have an engine and jumps well enough.

“I’m very happy to see him doing it over the minimum trip as well. I’m hoping he’ll improve over further and it looked like he wasn’t stopping at the end anyway.”

Chacun Pour Soi back at his favourite venue

/by

Chacun Pour Soi bids to prove he is still a force to be reckoned with in the two-mile division in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown on Tuesday.

The Rich and Susannah Ricci-owned gelding has won six times at the highest level, with four of those victories secured at Leopardstown – including in this race in 2020.

His most recent triumph came in the Dublin Chase over the course and distance in February – a race he has won three times – after which he unseated Patrick Mullins in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham before finding stablemate Energumene too strong at Punchestown in the spring.

Chacun Pour Soi will officially turn 11 in less than a week’s time, but connections are hopeful he can show his younger rivals the way home on a track where he clearly excels.

Joe Chambers, racing manager for the owners, said: “He will run on Tuesday and I suspect it will be his best chance of picking up a Grade One this year.

“He loves Leopardstown and the ground seems to be OK, so we’re looking forward to seeing him back out.

“He doesn’t have many miles on the clock, but he is a bit more brittle than some of the younger legs he comes up against over two miles, so I expect we will go out in trip with him later in the year.

“He’s in good form, but we’ll see where we go for the rest of the season with him after Leopardstown.”

Chacun Pour Soi is one of three runners for Willie Mullins in a field of seven, with the three years younger Blue Lord and four years younger Gentleman De Mee also in contention.

Paul Townend and Blue Lord after winning at the Punchestown Festival
Paul Townend and Blue Lord after winning at the Punchestown Festival (Brian Lawless/PA)

Blue Lord won Leopardstown’s Irish Arkle last season and won the Clonmel Oil Chase on his reappearance, while Gentleman De Mee was last seen finishing fourth in the Tingle Creek at Sandown.

Stable jockey Paul Townend rides Chacun Pour Soi, and told Ladbrokes: “He’s back to Leopardstown, he loves it round there.

“He is not getting any younger. I think he ran an absolute screamer at Punchestown behind Energumene last season and if he is anywhere right he will take all the beating.

“Blue Lord is interesting. He won well in Clonmel up in trip but is dropping back to two miles. This is Chacun’s playground and whatever beats him will win.”

Henry de Bromhead fields Fortria Chase victor Captain Guinness and Coeur Sublime, who may well have won the Poplar Square Chase on his seasonal debut but for falling at the final fence.

Andy Dufresne (Gordon Elliott) and Jeremys Flame (Gavin Cromwell) are the other hopefuls.

Patrick Mullins celebrates after winning the Champion Bumper on Facile Vega
Patrick Mullins celebrates after winning the Champion Bumper on Facile Vega (David Davies/PA)

The other Grade One prize up for grabs on day two of the Christmas Festival in County Dublin is the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle, in which Facile Vega is the main attraction.

The star performer in the bumper sphere last season, the five-year-old bolted up on his hurdling bow at Fairyhouse and will be prohibitive odds under Townend to give Mullins a sixth win in the race.

Townend added: He was super in his maiden. He couldn’t do any more than beat what was run against him and I would be very disappointed if he can’t come up trumps again.

“I loved how professional he was in his maiden. We’ve been very happy with him since. He’s exciting.”

Il Etait Temps, Intranet and Ashroe Diamond further strengthen the champion trainer’s hand, with Elliott’s Itswhatunitesus and Path D’oroux both big outsiders.

Alan King hoping to blown away once again by Edwardstone

/by

Tingle Creek hero Edwardstone bids to make it back-to-back wins at Kempton’s Christmas Festival in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase.

Alan King’s stable star won the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase on the corresponding card 12 months ago before going on to claim Arkle glory at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

With intended comeback runs at Cheltenham and Ascot scuppered by unsuitable ground, Edwardstone was thrown in at the deep end on his belated reappearance at Sandown, but could hardly have been more impressive in beating defending champion Greaneteen and Shishkin.

The eight-year-old turns out a little over three weeks later for a race King sees as an ideal stepping-stone with a return to Cheltenham in mind.

“Edwardstone has come out of Sandown great, and this race fits in perfectly time-wise as it will enable him to then have a break through January before returning for his Queen Mother Champion Chase prep in the Game Spirit at Newbury in February,” the Barbury Castle handler said on his website.

Reflecting on his Tingle Creek triumph, he added: “It really did blow me away. I knew that Edwardstone would run well, but wasn’t expecting a performance like that first time out.

“He travelled and jumped super, but it was the manner in which he shot clear after the second last that took my breath away. It gave me a real buzz.”

The clear danger to Edwardstone is Nube Negra, who claimed this Grade Two prize two years ago for Dan and Harry Skelton when he defeated Altior.

Nube Negra on his way to winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham
Nube Negra on his way to winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham (David Davies/Jockey Club)

The Spanish-bred gelding was due to meet Edwardstone in Cheltenham’s Shloer Chase in November, but with King pulling out his charge Nube Negra predictably outclassed his remaining rivals.

“Our horse is really well. We beat Altior over two miles round here, so we’re not inconvenienced by the track and the going that day was officially soft. There’s not a lot to dislike really,” said Dan Skelton.

“It’s going to be hard to beat Edwardstone, we know that, but we’re happy with our horse.”

The Venetia Williams-trained Funambule Sivola finished best of the rest behind Energumene in last season’s Champion Chase, but was a long way behind Edwardstone when last of six in the Tingle Creek.

Mister Fisher (Nicky Henderson), Sizing Pottsie (David Pipe), Dolos (Paul Nicholls) and Editeur Du Gite (Gary Moore) complete the line-up.

Just four runners are set to go to post for the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, with Harry Fry’s Boothill setting the standard on his second placed finish to the exciting Jonbon in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase earlier in the month.

Fry told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s had a really good campaign so far and we were pleased to see Jonbon wasn’t among the entries for the Wayward Lad!

“We weren’t a match for Jonbon in the Henry VIII, but he’s an exceptional talent and I don’t think we were disgraced in finishing eight lengths behind him in second.

“There’s some other good novices in the race on Tuesday, so we’ve go to turn up and bring our best form to the table for sure, but he’s taking his races really well and seems to be on an upward curve again now and running with confidence. We’re looking forward to running him.”

The Skeltons are represented by Lac De Constance, who was three from three over hurdles and made a smart start to his chasing career at this track last month.

“It’s a step up in grade around a track that we’re comfortable at and on ground we’re happy with,” Skelton added.

“I’m very happy with him and happy to have a go. If we were to get beat we would step up to two-and-a-half, but I’m not thinking that way.

“With the way the ground is, I’d like to think he’s a very big player.”

Aucunrisque winning over hurdles at Wincanton
Aucunrisque winning over hurdles at Wincanton (David Davies/PA)

Chris Gordon’s Aucunrisque has a bit to find on ratings, but takes his chance due to a lack of suitable alternative options.

“I’ve had him in two or three races since his last run and everything kept getting cancelled. I popped him in here because there wasn’t really anything else that floated by boat at the moment,” said Gordon.

“It’s not normally my kind of style, but with races getting cancelled and one thing and another it’s pushed me a little bit towards running in a race like this.

“Hopefully we can pick up a bit of prize-money if we’re lucky.”

Glory And Fortune from Tom Lacey’s yard completes the quartet.

The Big Breakaway seeking more Welsh National glory for Tizzards

/by

The Big Breakaway brings a touch of class to the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on Tuesday.

He also brings high hopes of another winner in the prestigious marathon for the Tizzard family, twice successful from the last six runnings, courtesy of Native River in 2016 and Elegant Escape two years later.

Third to Monkfish in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, he has not had that much racing since but ran a fine race on his reappearance to be second at Haydock in November.

Native River was a stable star for Colin Tizzard
Native River was a stable star for Colin Tizzard (Simon Cooper/PA)

Joe Tizzard, who now holds the licence at Venn Farm after taking over from his father, Colin, said: “He seems in beautiful form at home and I’m really pleased with him. This has been the target for him and he seemed to build in confidence throughout the race at Haydock the other day and was unlucky not to win.

“The bit of rain we’ve had will mean it is lovely ground for him and I think the tempo of the race will suit him.

“We struggled with sore shins with him last year and this year he has got over that and he’s always been a horse we have held in high regard, so hopefully he will now pay us back for our patience.”

Welsh-trained contenders have taken the last three renewals and a leading chance for the home team this year is The Galloping Bear, who is trained by Ben Clarke.

He has the look of an ideal type for this race and enjoyed a recent spin over hurdles at Carlisle, which was a first outing for 281 days.

He will once again be ridden by Ben Jones, who said: “He went up to Carlisle for a little prep run just to clear the old cobwebs away. We were very happy with his run as he’s not a hurdler at all.

Ben Jones riding The Galloping Bear
Ben Jones riding The Galloping Bear (Steven Paston/PA)

“He’s a proper workmanlike ride, you have to ask for every little bit out of him. Even when he grinds it out and wins nicely in the end, he’s always got a little bit left under the bonnet.

“The more you ask the more he keeps giving and that’s why we don’t mind the weights going up. It’s not that we want to carry more weight, it’s that we want the other horses to carry more weight to make it a proper staying test.

“He’s carried top-weight around Lingfield on heavy ground, he just bounced out in front, galloped all the way and made it look easy.”

Ask Me Early is another having a second run after a lengthy break and there was plenty of encouragement to be taken from his third at Bangor.

“We were delighted with his comeback run at Bangor and obviously the form has worked out well, with the winner (Le Milos) doing particularly well at Newbury (winning the Coral Gold Cup),” trainer Harry Fry told Sky Sports Racing.

Ask Me Early is a
Ask Me Early is a “relentless” galloper (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s come out of that in good form and come forward for it as we’d hope and expect.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact we’ve been targeting this race. We didn’t get to run in it last year, but we’re on course to go there this year.

“From the first day he came into the yard we wondered whether we had a racehorse or a hunter on our hands as he only has one gear! Thankfully that gear lasts a very long time – he just seems to be relentless.

“He’s got a good record at the track and the more rain the better for him. It’s a hugely competitive race, but we’re going there with high hopes that he can be competitive.”

Venetia Williams’ Quick Wave is also a major fancy, and is a proven stayer who won the three-mile-five-furlong London National at Sandown when last seen.

Peter Fahey’s The Big Dog carries a live chance for the Irish but must shoulder top-weight as he looks to continue the winning streak that has seen him land the Munster National and the Troytown Chase this season.

Kempton team poised for ‘sensational’ Boxing Day card

/by

The stage is set for a Boxing Day spectacular at Kempton, with clerk of the course Barney Clifford anticipating a “sensational” afternoon’s racing.

Following a spate of abandoned fixtures during the recent cold snap, a welcome rise in temperatures this week means a full programme is set to go ahead for one of the biggest days in the sport, with 11 meetings scheduled to take place across Britain and Ireland.

Kempton is very much the focus of attention on British soil, with the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase the centrepiece of a card enhanced by the Long Walk Hurdle, which was saved and rescheduled from last weekend’s abandoned card at Ascot.

Clifford has been the man in charge of the ground at the Sunbury track for over two decades – and after enjoying his usual course walk on Christmas Day morning, the former National Hunt jockey can hardly wait for the action to begin.

He said: “I’ve been here since 1999 and to have four Grade Ones on Boxing Day is sensational really.

“Sadly Ascot lost out with the Long Walk, but at least we’ve been able to stage and reschedule it, which has not happened here before in my time.

“We were all disappointed for all the other racecourses that lost key fixtures and revenue streams. We’re delighted it’s mild anyway.”

Clifford is expecting racegoers to flood through the Kempton gates both on Boxing Day and the following afternoon for another quality card, despite ongoing travel disruption.

He added: “There are tickets available, albeit limited. I wouldn’t put anyone off turning up.

Barney Clifford (right) at Kempton
Barney Clifford (right) at Kempton (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“We’re expecting a good crowd both days with both days being Bank Holidays. The only thing that doesn’t help is us the fact there are no trains because of the strikes.

“Touch wood people will arrive early to enjoy the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival.”

In years gone by Clifford has taken the track on Christmas morning on horseback, with the top-class hurdler Harchibald among the Irish stars he has put through their paces.

He stays on the ground these days, but likes what he has seen from this year’s Irish King George challenger Envoi Allen, who is trained by Henry de Bromhead and will be ridden by Rachael Blackmore.

Clifford added: “It was fun back in the day. I used to ride Willie Mullins’ horses, Francois Doumen’s horses and Harchibald for Noel Meade, but I had to retire properly sometime!

Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen after winning at Down Royal
Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen after winning at Down Royal (PA)

“Envoi Allen arrived on Friday evening, cantered on Saturday morning and cantered again this morning.

“He looks amazing and has an amazing skin on him. Hopefully they’ll have a good trip.

“I think Envoi Allen might be the value of the race. When I last looked he was 7-1 or 8-1 and you think to yourself if he hadn’t had a little hiccup along the way he’d be 2-1.”

Assessing the King George field overall, he said: “The one thing you need around here is speed. I’ve always said Bravemansgame is my A horse so to speak, but in saying that I think the ground might have come for Envoi.

“It will be a hell of a race. There are other horses in there and at a big price I wouldn’t rule out Royale Pagaille. He’s got form around here and needs a dig in the ground.”

As far as the all important going is concerned, Clifford views it as perfect jumping ground.

He added: “It’s lovely ground really. I’ll keep it at soft, but there is better ground around there is no question about that. It walks better than it will probably ride, but we’ll see what the jockeys say.

“The sky looks full of rain but it’s not raining at the moment. There’s heavy showers forecast today, but hopefully Boxing Day will be a dry day with a bit of luck.

“We had 20 millimetres of rain on Friday in the end. We had 18mm in an hour and a half and then a heavy shower in the afternoon giving us another two millimetres.

“Obviously a lot of people out there have been doing a rain dance – I wanted them to stop at about 10am on Friday! We had a dry day on Saturday and then a bit of dampness overnight, but nothing measurable.”

Cheveley Park would love to give Dettori another Group One in final year

/by

Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson will be thrilled if star filly Inspiral can give Frankie Dettori another top-level success in his final season before retirement.

The legendary Italian rider recently announced he will bring his illustrious riding career to an end in 2023, with the Breeders’ Cup in November set to be the stage for his swansong.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained Inspiral provided Dettori with two Group One wins this year, with her spectacular victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot followed by a more hard-fought success against colts in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

The partnership is set to be renewed in the spring, with Thompson eyeing Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes in May as a likely target.

He said: “Frankie has won a few Group Ones for us, most recently with Inspiral obviously. She’s won three Group Ones and Frankie has been on board every time.

“He also gave Queen’s Trust a marvellous ride to win the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf, so that was a wonderful day.

“It’s been a marvellous association with Frankie and the Cheveley Park team have really enjoyed the relationship with him.

“What a fantastic career, what a wonderful talent and we look forward to him riding Inspiral next year and hopefully more winners for us as well.

“We’d love to give him his last Group One winner or certainly one in his last season.

“All is good with Inspiral and we look forward to hopefully aiming for the Lockinge.”

Bravemansgame leads Nicholls’ chase for 13th King George crown

/by

Paul Nicholls saddles a third of the field as he bids to add a remarkable 13th Ladbrokes King George VI Chase to his trophy cabinet.

The Ditcheat handler’s name is the one constant on the roll of honour for Kempton’s Boxing Day feature in modern history and the race’s most successful trainer – who has won three of the last four and saddled the second, third and fourth when drawing a blank 12 months ago – is well represented at the top of the market once again.

Headlining the Nicholls trio is Bravemansgame, who has been earmarked as a King George winner since his novice hurdling days and now gets the chance to fulfil his trainer’s prophecy following a winning return in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby.

“He looks in good shape and we have had a great preparation with him,” said the 13-times champion trainer.

“He went to the Charlie Hall and he was probably ready enough to run as he did, but he wasn’t fully wound up. He travelled well and jumped well and won nicely.

“We have done a lot with him since then as we want him ready for his life on Monday. He has had a great preparation and looks fantastic. He has got plenty of condition on him.

“He used to go a little bit light on us after Christmas, but we found out he had problems with ulcers and we are on top of that now. We have changed the feed this season which has been big plus all across the board and the horses look great.”

Joining Bravemansgame on the teamsheet is Hitman, who has always threatened to make his mark in Grade One competition and threw his hat into the ring with a bloodless victory at Haydock in November.

Trainer Paul Nicholls with his King George candidates (left to right) Frodon, Bravemansgame and Hitman during a visit to Manor Farm Stables
Trainer Paul Nicholls with his King George candidates (left to right) Frodon, Bravemansgame and Hitman during a visit to Manor Farm Stables (David Davies/PA)

Nicholls continued: “Hitman is rated 160 which is only 4lb behind Bravemansgame, which isn’t a long way. He has been placed in a Tingle Creek, Haldon Gold Cup and other Grade One races and he is only six years old.

“Clan (Des Obeaux) won the King George for the first time as a six-year-old rated 160, so he is on the right sort of lines. He was always going to improve as he got stronger and better and he has achieved a lot for a young horse.

“He ran well in the Old Roan the first time when needing the run. He ran very well at Haydock the last day, just having a canter round but he jumped brilliantly. I think three miles will bring plenty of improvement in him. You can see he is a fine, big chaser.”

It is a former King George hero that completes the Ditcheat collective, with 2020’s shock 20-1 champion Frodon out to cause another surprise in the hands of ever-willing pilot Bryony Frost – who has recovered from injury in time to continue her long association with the popular 10-year-old.

Bryony Frost riding Frodon (left) clear the last to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2020
Bryony Frost riding Frodon (left) clear the last to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2020 (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“He will have had a nice gap between Haydock Park and Kempton and he never stops surprising you at his age,” Nicholls added.

“Whether he has got the legs of the younger horses is debatable, but he will be there or thereabouts and he will give Bryony a fantastic ride.

“He has been there done it and got the t-shirt and he is certainly as good now as he has ever been. It would want to be a near career-best for him to win, but you never know with him.

“You have to respect him as he is a previous winner of the race, but he has got plenty to do against those younger lads as he is 10 going on 11. But look at Kauto Star – he won it as an 11-year-old.”

Disputing favouritism with Bravemansgame is Venetia Williams’ Cheltenham Festival scorer L’Homme Presse, who tuned up for this with a weight-carrying masterclass in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.

However, Williams, who won the race in 1998 with Teeton Mill, is doubly represented in the Grade One contest with course-and-distance scorer and Cheltenham Gold Cup fifth Royale Pagaille, who is set to make his seasonal bow at the Sunbury track.

“We hoped to have him out a lot earlier than this, but he had a small setback with his wither in the middle of November so he has missed a bit of time,” said Joe Chambers, racing manager to owner Rich Ricci.

“It was either here, the Welsh National or the Rowland Meyrick and as much as we are very happy to run in a Welsh National and in handicaps off top-weight, we didn’t think three-miles-six first time up was going to be the right thing to do with a view to the rest of the season.

Royale Pagaille, here running in the Denman Chase at Newbury, has been handed an assignment in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day
Royale Pagaille, here running in the Denman Chase at Newbury, has been handed an assignment in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day (Steven Paston/PA)

“Then when you look at the King George versus the Rowland Meyrick, he is a course-and-distance winner and the prize-money goes a bit deeper, so we thought we may as well go to familiar territory and get the season started there.

“The rain is coming which will suit him, but you would love to be going into this year’s King George with conditions the way they are and the field the way it is with a run behind you, but unfortunately we don’t.

“You can’t win unless you have a ticket for the game. Hopefully he can put his best foot forward and then we can crack on from the race for the rest of the year.”

Envoi Allen is the sole Irish representative in the field as he looks to follow up Tornado Flyer’s victory for the raiders last year.

“I think it was a proper Grade One performance last time. It was a good race and it is always a hard race to win, but he did it well in the end,” said trainer Henry de Bromhead of the eight-year-old’s Down Royal victory in November.

“He has got a really high cruising speed, but it was lovely to see him run through the line like he did and it looks like three miles really does suit him.

“It is great to see him back over a more realistic trip for him. The trip was unknown at Down Royal. but it was great to see him do it as well as he did.”

Lucinda Russell’s Grade One-winning novice Ahoy Senor, Alex Hales’ Millers Bank and Joe Tizzard’s Eldorado Allen complete the line-up, with the latter runner-up in both the Charlie Hall and Betfair Chase this term.

“He seems in really good form and we’ve been chuffed with his couple of runs so far this season,” said Tizzard.

“It’s a hot King George and we would need a bit of a surprise to go and win it, but he has run well there in the past and proven he stays three miles well this year, so I see no reason why he can’t run into a place.

“He seems like he’s in good form at home and if he runs a lifetime best, he will have a nice each-way chance.”

Presse camp conceding ‘home’ advantage to Bravemansgame at Kempton

/by

Connections of Ladbrokes King George VI Chase favourite L’Homme Presse admit they are “playing away” when taking on Bravemansgame in the mouthwatering Boxing Day feature at Kempton.

The Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse recorded a comfortable victory in his comeback run under Charlie Deutsch in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.

Though the winning margin was a length, the manner of the weight-carrying performance makes him a general 6-1 chance for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Last season he powered to success in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham and suffered his sole defeat in seven chase starts when Ahoy Senor turned the tables in the Mildmay at Aintree.

Similarly, that was also the race in which the Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame tasted his only fencing defeat and that rival opened this campaign in style, scoring readily in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby under Harry Cobden.

Now the pair are set to lock horns again in the three-mile showpiece at the Sunbury circuit.

“I was at Taunton on Tuesday with a runner and I walked the course,” said co-owner Andy Edwards, who runs his horses under the DFA Racing banner.

“Harry Cobden was coming off the course and we had a little chat in general.

“I said to him it is very simple. If this was a football match, we’d say you were playing at home and we are playing away from home.

“If the match was at Cheltenham, we’d be playing at home, and you’d be away from home.

“That doesn’t mean teams don’t win away from home, but that is the edge they have on us.”

Kempton’s flat track could play to the strengths of Bravemansgame as he bids to give the champion trainer a record 13th success in the Grade One event.

However, Edwards, who owns the seven-year-old with Pam Edwards and Peter and Pat Pink, is just pleased to have a runner in the illustrious race.

L'Homme Presse, Hereford
L’Homme Presse with co-owner Andy Edwards (Simon Milham/PA)

He added: “We are massively excited. It is like a drawn out version of Countdown with the clock ticking.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic King George – there is only one King George – and it is an absolute honour and privilege to not only have a horse with a chance in it, but a favourite’s chance in such a prestigious race.

“All four of us have come from a similar place as racehorse fans and for us to be on this stage is wonderful and amazing, and very, very humbling. That’s how we all feel.

“Pam worked for the Tote for 30 years before Betfred bought it out. She started in the Putney office and started as a Saturday girl before that in the East End of London.

“And for Peter and Pat, the four of us to be on that stage, with our horse that we adore, it really is a fairytale story.”

Venetia Williams will hope Kempton sees plenty of rain ahead of the big Boxing Day date
Venetia Williams will hope Kempton sees plenty of rain ahead of the big Boxing Day date (Mike Egerton/PA)

Recent rain – with the potential for more to come – has led to the ground easing and L’Homme Presse was imperious in the mud when dispatching Ahoy Senor over an extended three miles at the Cheltenham Festival, looking every inch a Gold Cup horse.

Bravemansgame, meanwhile, has already won over the sharper three miles at Kempton, taking the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on the same card last year. All of which sets up a potentially titanic clash.

“I have faith in everything,” said Edwards. “I have complete faith in the horse, complete faith in the trainer and complete faith in the jockey. So when people ask if I’m getting nervous, I’m not. I’m getting excited.

“It will be what it will be, and I truly hope it will be a magnificent spectacle for everyone involved.

“That is for the people watching, people involved with their horses – that is what racing needs, magnificent spectacles.

“And if we can be part of creating a magnificent spectacle, may the best horse on the day win, may they all come back happy and safe and that everyone has had a great day out watching sport – because that is what it is. It is sport. Let’s all be sporting about it.

“Let’s all cheer the winner, the second, third and fourth, whoever wins any race. Let’s all be sporting about it, which is what DFA Racing is founded upon.”

Fil Dor and Lossiemouth looking to light up day one at Leopardstown

/by

Fil Dor is widely expected to play a starring role in the feature event on the opening afternoon of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.

A winner at Grade Three and Grade Two level over hurdles last season, Gordon Elliott’s grey subsequently found only star juvenile Vauban too strong in Grade Ones at Leopardstown and Punchestown, as well as in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

After being beaten by Brazil on his reappearance, the Doctor Dino gelding kicked off his chasing career at Navan last month and was thoroughly impressive in seeing off the high-class Saint Roi.

The pair renew rivalry in the Grade One Brand New Racing Post App Novice Chase, with Fil Dor a warm order to confirm his superiority in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

Joey Logan, racing manager for owners Caldwell Construction Ltd, said: “He’s in good nick and Gordon is very happy with him.

“In the race in Navan he jumped very well. It looked to be a very good beginners chase and he should be bang there, hopefully.”

The Willie Mullins-trained Saint Roi is not the only threat to Fil Dor, with Elliott also saddling Hollow Games, who like his stablemate looked the part on his chasing debut at Navan.

Peter Fahey’s Visionarian and Midnight Run from Joseph O’Brien’s yard complete the field.

“Hollow Games is a very good horse too and Willie’s horse is as well, so it’s a good Grade One, as you would expect,” Logan added.

Lossiemouth on her way to victory at Fairyhouse
Lossiemouth on her way to victory at Fairyhouse (Brian Lawless/PA)

The main supporting race on the first of four excellent days of action on the outskirts of Dublin is the Grade Two Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle, which sees four unbeaten youngsters lock horns.

The hot favourite is Lossiemouth, who sets the standard on her recent Grade Three success at Fairyhouse and is one of two representatives for leading owner Rich Ricci along with new French recruit Jourdefete.

The pair are just two of five runners for the Mullins team along with Gala Marceau, Risk Belle and Aghaboy, with Padraig Roche’s Cougar and Joseph O’Brien’s Nusret adding further spice.

Joe Chambers, Ricci’s racing manager, said: “Lossiemouth looked good the last day. She meets some of the same field again, but Cougar is there for Padraig Roche as is Gala Marceau, whose French form ties in very favourably with Lossiemouth, so it’s going to be a much tougher race for her.

Owner Rich Ricci at Cheltenham
Owner Rich Ricci at Cheltenham (Tim Goode/PA)

“She also has to carry a bit of a penalty for her win the last day so we will be an awful lot wiser about her after this.

“Jourdefete is just starting out and is probably next year’s horse. He is a half-brother to Il Etait Temps, who Willie did something similar with last year.

“We only bought him in May at the Grand-Steeple Sale, so he is running for experience as much as anything else.

“If he wins a Graded race along the way then great – if not, he’ll be a novice hurdler for next season.”

A top-class card gets under way with the All About Sunday Maiden Hurdle – where all eyes will be on one-time Derby favourite High Definition.

High Definition looked like being a real star at one stage on the Flat
High Definition looked like being a real star at one stage on the Flat (PA)

He is now with Joseph O’Brien, who said: “He obviously was a high-quality Flat horse and when you get to run over hurdles, it is then when you get to find out how they have taken to the change of discipline.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on. We’ve been happy with how he’s jumped.

“We’ll see how Leopardstown goes and hopefully he runs well and then we’ll take it from there.”