L’Homme Presse accomplished a five-hour counter over the fences to stay unbeaten on the run to success in chasing junior Browns at Cheltenham.
There was drama 20 minutes into the race because the pre-post favourite Bravemans sport was pulled by Paul Nicholls, as a result of more and more comfortable flooring, together with Irish rival Fury Highway.
That left Venice-trained Lum Bryce, who received the Seeley Isles Novices chase by 21 lengths at Sandown, dealing with eight challengers below Charlie Deutch and duly put them to the sword.
Ahoy Senor ran within the early phases, adopted by Lom Bryce, who took the race on the seventh of the nineteenth fence and his rivals jumped to give up.
Though Faruk Dalin threw a problem, he got here down after leaping the penultimate fence, however it by no means appeared just like the winner could be defeated.
To his credit score, Ahoy Senor, whose leaping at occasions was nonetheless a little bit of a novice, saved on staying however ultimately was nonetheless three and a half lengths forward, with Gillard de Mesnil staying third, an additional size and three quarters again.
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Williams stated: “I do not assume I acquired too sick throughout the race, which is a rarity, however I am actually trying ahead to watching it once more. I could not be extra thrilled.
“It is an incredible bounce, and though it was a favorite, it was nice to listen to the viewers cheer each time he made an enormous bounce.
“I feel this race has at all times been most likely, however the one factor that may have modified our opinion was if it was going to be heavy floor and even that rain simply made it comfortable floor.
“Andy (Edwards) beneficial getting the horse after two rounds in France, however then he had a tendon harm so he needed to be affected person.
“He did not present a lot at residence at first, he did not present us something till about three weeks earlier than he debuted for us, however he saved going and getting higher with every spherical.”
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Deutsch stated: “He travels simply and jumps rather well and was trying round as he headed for the road.
“It was the primary time throughout the flight on land, however he felt comfy all the way in which.
“It is nice to have such a superb season after which have a winner at Cheltenham. Venetia has accomplished such a superb job simply dealing with that horse and Andy, the proprietor, may be very straightforward. He’s very relaxed and leaves it to you.
“It is an important second for me, it is simply wonderful and I would prefer to thank anybody who helped me.”
L’Homme Presse acquired a 16/1 bid for subsequent yr’s Gold Cup and Edwards added: ‘I broke into tears when he crossed the road, that is for positive! So it is nice.”
In the meantime, Lucinda Russell was thrilled with Ahoy Senor’s efforts in defeat.
She stated, “I am completely pleased with him. He grew up in the present day. He at all times received his races by leaping higher than anybody else, however in the present day he needed to run and turn into a racehorse.”
“He acquired it fallacious and the bottom won’t be excellent for him, however there have been no excuses.
“He is a superb horse L’Homme Presse and she or he did nicely within the Venetia. She’s a superb mate, so it is a good factor she received.”
“Ahoy Senor is a phenomenal, stunning horse and I am unable to look ahead to subsequent yr.”
