04 November 2023 , 17:33
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Gentlemansgame pounced for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase prize to roll back the years for trainer Mouse Morris.
The grey, having just his third start over fences, went head-to-head with Bravemansgame up the Wetherby straight. And National Hunt racing's first big chase of the season was still up for grabs as the pair approached its final jump.
But 8-11 favourite Bravemansgame's early take-off saw him clip the top and his rival, a 7-2 chance, took full advantage. Morris was at the track to welcome in his first winner there since Boss Doyle scored at the same fixture, 22 years ago. "This horse hasn't been simple. He has come good today," he said. "He’ll stay all day and we’re living the dream.”
Morris pitched Gentlemansgame into the Grade 2, last won by an irish-trained horse in 2001, to avoid a clash with fellow Robcour-owned Gold Cup hope Gerri Colombe.
"It's unbelievable," said jockey Darragh O'Keeffe. "For his third run over fences, the way he jumps is electric." Paul Nicholls said Bravemansgame, unchanged at 13-8 for his King George VI Chase title defence, found the going tough. "Harry (Cobden, jockey) said fitness beat him," he added. "He will take a huge step forward from today."
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At Ascot, 1973 American Triple Crown hero Secretariat's colours were in jump racing's winners' enclosure for the first time. They were carried to victory by Venetia Williams' 20-1 outsider Victtorino in the Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
Boothill produced a huge jump for Jonathan Burke at the last obstacle in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Getty)Harry Fry hopes Boothill's exploits will give his wife Ciara a lift, as she battles serious injuries. The trainer's assistant spent time in intensive care last month after being kicked by a horse.
"It has been a tough few weeks," he said, after his charge set up a potential Tingle Creek bid by taking the Byrne Group Handicap Chase. "Days like this make it worthwhile."