|
|||||||
1 Gemirande 11/2
2 Madara 11/4F
3
Fugitif 6/1
11 ran Distances: 1l, 7½l, 1¼l
Time: 5m 13.93s (slow by 5.93s)
"Venetia is a magician with what she does with these horses."
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 14, 2024
Full replay and reaction: Gemirande denies Madara in @Nyetimber December Gold Cup thriller at @CheltenhamRaces! @charliedeutsch2 | @VenetiaWRacing
Another big Saturday success for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch as their season goes from strength to strength. The eight-year-old was prominent throughout the £125,000 contest and faced a significant challenge from Madara over the final two fences.
Despite the pressure, Gemirande jumped efficiently and found the extra strength to prevail by a length, showcasing his determination and skill. Last year’s winner, Fugitif, defended his title admirably but had to settle for third place, finishing seven and a half lengths behind.
Charlie Deutsch, full of admiration for Gemirande, said, “I’ve grown to love this horse, he’s quite a character and his jumping was electric. I’m chuffed for him to get his head in front. He loves racing and is really enthusiastic. His jumping is so quick, he is quite a keen-going sort, so I was conscious we needed a breather on the way round. I felt I had a little bit there (at the last), it was just whether Madara would have a bit more, but he’s really game and he tries. He’s definitely got better with age, he was struggling to finish his races earlier in his career. It’s nice that he’s getting there now. Venetia is a magician with what she does with these horses.”
Reflecting on their recent success, Deutsch added, “I’m really enjoying it, I’m confident and I know how Venetia works now. I have so much confidence in her and her horses.”
Venetia Williams, basking in their hot streak, said, “It’s been amazing. You always look at the big races that are on offer and see if you’ve got something for them. I wanted to run this horse in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but he was out of the weights, so we went to Ascot instead. The way he quickened from the last to the line at Ascot, I haven’t seen that for a long time. I was so impressed and I thought we’ve definitely got to come here for this.”
Williams praised Deutsch’s commitment, noting, “Charlie wasn’t quite sure how he was going to do the weight (10st 2lb) and I didn’t know what he was going to amputate! Yesterday, I think he was 10st 7lb and he said ‘I’ll do the weight’. He could have gone for a couple of easier weight options at Doncaster, but he was very keen to come and ride him. He’s a big guy, he’s got big shoulders and he hasn’t done 10st 2lb for a while. I think he’s an outstanding jockey.”
With an eye on future targets, Williams added, “Last season wasn’t really a full season at all for the horse. He got a really nasty overreach which took ages to get on top of, so last season didn’t really count. We don’t do long-term targets, this was a good enough one.”
Looking ahead to the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, Williams revealed, “Hopefully we’ll run both L’Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille in the King George. He (L’Homme Presse) worked this morning and that’s the plan at the moment.”
December Gold Cup
£130,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f 127y, Class 1
11 ran
Going: Good to Soft
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Gemirande 8 10-2 Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 11/2
2 1 Madara 5 10-6 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 11/4F
3 7½ Fugitif 9 11-2 Richard Hobson Sean Bowen 6/1
4 1¼ Guard Your Dreams 8 10-2 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 12/1
5 3¼ Grandeur d'Ame 8 10-2 Alan King Brendan Powell 12/1
6 4 Il Ridoto 7 11-1 Paul Nicholls Miss Olive Nicholls 8/1
7 2 Stage Star 8 12-0 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 11/1
8 nk Sure Touch 8 10-8 Olly Murphy Kevin Brogan 33/1
9 4 Ga Law 8 11-8 Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 8/1
10 8½ Le Patron 6 11-5 Gary & Josh Moore Freddie Mitchell 11/1
11 21 In Excelsis Deo 6 10-8 Harry Fry Bryan Carver 14/1
