HEREFORDSHIRE trainer Venetia Williams hopes to plot a path back towards the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup with Royale Pagaille, who opened his account at the highest level at Haydock Park when springing a surprise in the Betfair Chase.

The Rich and Susannah Ricci-owned nine-year-old took his record to four wins from five appearances at the Merseyside track, getting the better of a late duel with 8-11 favourite Bravemansgame in the £200,000 prize - the first Grade One of the British Jump season.

After hitting the front at the 13th fence the 5-1 shot, making his second appearance in the race having filled the runner’s up spot in 2021 renewal, kept on finding more out in front before having six and a half lengths to spare passing the post. 

The Aramstone handler said: “It’s so exciting. He’s been burning for a while at this level but not quite been able to catch fire but today he has.

“I thought more rain would have helped us but at the end of the day he’s not a slow horse. We were keen to make sure it wasn’t a sprint today and was a proper test.

“I think the fact that about half of our recent runners have won obviously gives you confidence and we’ve had a clear run through with this horse.“

Following the race, which was the opening leg of The Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown, the Grand National winning trainer insisted that an appearance in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March, a race the Blue Bresil gelding finished sixth in last season, would again be on the agenda. 

However, before that Royale Pagaille could bid to go one better than 12 months ago in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, which is the second leg of The Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown. 

“You’d like to think he will go for the Gold Cup again. He hasn’t truly had his ground in the Gold Cup yet as Cheltenham often seems to start off soft but it never seems to last to Friday.  

“He could go for the King George again too which he was second in last year and if it came up softer, his chance would be stronger. You always appreciate these wins and I am thrilled for the Riccis.”

Plenty of praise was also heaped on jockey Charlie Deutsch by Williams, who felt the victory showcased his talents in the saddle. 

She added: “He rewards me every day he rides for us. He’s a very good rider and on days like today everyone else can see it as well.”