Quote: ‘I was really pleased with the way he jumped. We always hoped he was going to be a better chaser than hurdler – he’s proved that’
By Andrew Atkinson
Unbeaten chaser L’Homme Presse tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info landed the Grade 2 Paddy Power Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
Seven-year-old L’Homme Presse (7-4f) trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch romped home by 10 lengths in the 2 miles 4 furlongs race.
“I was really pleased with the way he jumped. He needed to step up from what he did at Ascot last time and I particularly loved the way he quickened up on the way to the line,” said Williams.
“We always hoped he was going to be a better chaser than hurdler and he’s proved that,” she added.
Mcfabulous (9-2) tipped each-way by fromthehorsesmouth.info finished second in the Grade 2 Class 1 Hurdle won by Stormy Island (7-1) trained by Willie Mullins.
Nicky Henderson trained I Am Maximus (7-5) tipped, ran second under Nico De Boineville in the Listed Ballymore Novices Hurdle over 2m 4f, won by Hillcrest, owned by the Exors of the late Trevor Hemmings.
Caption: Venetia Williams saddled L’Homme Presse to win Cheltenham G2 Paddy Power Novices’ Chase.
