Time may show that Grey Dawning, the two-length runner-up, was the most talented horse in the Betfair Chase, but the grittiest and most indefatigable runner was undoubtedly Royale Pagaille, who simply refused to concede defeat after an extended three-mile trip on stamina-sapping ground. Little wonder then that behind his trademark Ray-Bans, Rich Ricci, Royale Pagaille’s owner, was more than a little emotional as he celebrated his 100th Grade One winner.
A staying chase on deep ground at Haydock is one of the toughest tests that jumping can offer, and one that Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old has now passed five times in six attempts. It was a slow motion finish as Royale Pagaille responded to Charlie Deutsch’s final call to arms and hauled himself past Grey Dawning after jumping the last fence with a length to find, but all the more dramatic as a result, as the winner, who had led until after the second-last, clawed his way back.
