Mudlark Royale Pagaille defends Betfair Chase crown

Royale Pagaille might not be the best horse to carry the familiar pink and green colours of owner Rich Ricci, but he can lay claim to being the toughest after a successful defence of the Betfair Chase provided the ebullient owner with his 100th Grade One winner.

The Venetia Williams-trained 10-year-old is at his best when the mud is flying on Merseyside, as evidenced by a total of four wins from five previous course appearances.

He was an emphatic winner of the Betfair Chase 12 months ago – and while he fractured his shoulder on his only subsequent appearance when falling in Cheltenham's Cotswold Chase in January, he returned to his favourite stomping ground as a well-fancied 11-4 shot after heavy rain turned conditions in his favour.

It was clear from an early stage Royale Pagaille was in his element as he set his own fractions in front under his regular partner Charlie Deutsch.

Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, one of last season’s star novices and the 15-8 favourite, loomed up looking a big threat in the straight and looked set to prevail after poking his head in front on the run to the final fence.

Royal Pagaille, though, was having none of it, battling back on the level to wrestle back the lead and he was two lengths in front where it mattered.

The Betfair Chase goes the way of the Venetia Williams stable once again! An excellent ride in testing conditions from Charlie Deutsch onboard Royale Pagaille!

Congratulations to all connections!