Haydock Park, Merseyside
WITH a gritty display of tenacity, Royale Pagaille joined the greats of the sport as a back-to-back winner of the Betfair Chase. As the heavens opened on the eve of the first Grade One contest of the season, the money piled in for the Venetia Williams runner and punters were rewarded.
But victory under Charlie Deutsch didn’t come without a fight, as the equally gallant Grey Dawning – a Festival winner for the Skeltons in March, who was stepping out of novice company for the first time – had surged to the front in the home straight, setting up an epic battle for the line.
However, a scrappier jump at the last meant the pendulum of momentum swung back in favour of Grey Dawning’s more experienced counterpart, the 10-year-old mud-loving Royale Pagaille, who knuckled down gamely to win the 3m 1½f race by two lengths.
Denne historien er fra November 28, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 28, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Neil 55 has lift off
The brilliant 148cm goes airborne” and five-star event riders are out in force
Take a check
Cold, wet winters can take their toll on trailers. What can you do to ensure yours is roadworthy when spring arrives? Stephanie Bateman investigates
'I was nervous until the end'
World number five Martin Fuchs endures a long wait to discover his World Cup fate and there's a symbolic win for an Olympic silver medal-winning event rider
Daisy Berkeley
Second at Blenheim was a strong comeback for the former British team stalwart. She tells Pippa Roome about the horse who made it possible, other projects and whether fivestar beckons again
How to be the perfect hunting visitor
Rory Knight Bruce has some sage advice on how to behave when visiting other packs that should ensure your name doesn’t become a byword for bad manners
Soneva Gili
A racing career wasn't what suited this gentle thoroughbred - instead, he became a trusted all-rounder with a particular love for hunting and hounds
WHY CONNIES CUT THE MUSTARD
Connemara ponies are often hailed the sportiest natives, but what gives this remarkable breed its edge? Bethany Stone uncovers what makes Connies a competitor's perfect partner
Flipper Darco UKZ
This huge-striding superstar is blind in one eye, but that hasn’t hindered his sensational rise to the top. Jennifer Donald meets a young rider’s horse of a lifetime” and a beloved family pet
Protecting youngsters
Young horses' worm control needs differ from those of adults. Tim Mair FRCVS explains the approach needed
A lot has changed since I first started'
Laura Tomlinson on the evolving landscape of dressage
