25 November 2023 , 18:29
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Party crasher Royale Pagaille stunned the big two with a clear-cut win in Haydock's Betfair Chase.
Britain's first Grade One of the season was billed as a head-to-head between Gold Cup second Bravemansgave and last year's winner Protektorat. But the pair were left behind by the horse, whose name means “Royal Mess”, from Venetia Williams' in-form stable.
Nibbled at in the market, the 5-1 shot was kept close to the pace throughout by Charlie Deutsch. At fence 13, Protektorat was already starting to struggle, his chances hindered by some erratic leaps.
As the title defender folded, Royale Pagaille raced on with 8-11 favourite Bravemansgame, a new mount for Daryl Jacob. However it was the lesser-fancied thoroughbred, carrying owner Rich Ricci's colours, who had the stronger finishing kick.
It was his fourth win in five races at the Merseyside circuit, his only defeat coming in the 2021 renewal behind A Plus Tard. "He's been burning for a while at this level without being able to catch fire but today he has," said Williams, the first woman on the race's roll of honour.
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"The fact half of our recent runners have won gave us confidence. I'm thrilled with the horse."
Harry Cobden, rider of Bravemansgame in all of his previous 19 races for Paul Nicholls, travelled south to Ascot. And their plan paid off to the tune of a 239-1 four-timer, spearheaded by Pic D'Orhy in the Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase.
Their task was eased considerably by the pre-race antics of 8-13f Shishkin, who failed to get past the starting point.
"It wasn't the exciting race everyone wanted, but Pic D'Orhy got the job done," said Cobden. "You'd have to be happy. I don't know why Shishkin didn't jump off."
His trainer Nicky Henderson was also left perplexed, as bookmakers eased the 13-time winner's King George VI Chase odds to 5-1.
"I don't know why he's done that today," he said. "He was in a mood and wasn't moving."