Ricci silks on show as Royal Pagaille starts out for Venetia Williams

2.50 ChepstowPoolman Patios And Landscaping Novices' Chase | 2m7½f, 5yo+ | SKY

Venetia Williams will join a select group of trainers when she legs up Charlie Deutsch in the distinctive pink and green silks of Rich and Susannah Ricci.

Royale Pagaille is the first horse she has trained for the powerful owners, who have enjoyed huge success with Annie Power, Douvan and Faugheen among many others in the past decade.

Like most of their string, that trio were based with Willie Mullins in Ireland, but the Riccis have also had hurdle winner Palixandre with Nicky Henderson and novice Wilhelm Vonvenster in Nicky Richards' yard in the last two seasons.

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"It's nice to have a horse for Mr and Mrs Ricci," Williams said. "It's nice to be included among that group."

Royal Pagaille, who is making his first start since finishing second in a Listed chase at Auteuil in October 2018 on his final appearance for Francois Nicolle, takes on two rivals that include last year's National Spirit Hurdle winner Vision Des Flos.

Royale Pagaille, a hurdles winner at Pau, failed to score in six outings over fences in France and Williams added: "Chepstow is a nice place for his introduction to British chasing, though it will be a different type of ground from what he's used to – Auteuil heavy is because of their watering system not because of the weather.

"Even though there are only three runners it's a decent contest and it's his first run for 14 months. He has got the best part of a stone to find with Vision Des Flos on handicap ratings."

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