'I was a little bit lost not racing everyday' - Charlie Deutsch fires in Ascot double on return from injury

Charlie Deutsch returned to the saddle with a bang after injury and geared up for a crack at more Grade 1 glory when completing a double.

Deutsch missed just under two weeks of riding after landing on his head when falling heavily from the Richard Hobson-trained Roger, who was fatally injured, at Ffos Las on November 10.

The rider, who will attempt to land a second successive Betfair Chase with Royale Pagaille at Haydock on Saturday, steered Bucksy Des Epeires to victory in the 2m3f novice handicap chase. He followed up when partnering stablemate Gemirande in the feature 2m5f handicap chase.

Deutsch said: "I had about ten days off and I was a little bit lost not racing everyday, so it’s nice to get back into it. It makes it easier when you’re riding nice chasers like that. The two of them jumped very nicely."

Bucksy Des Epeires was making his first appearance over fences and Venetia Williams said: "He was a little bit novicey early on, but he warmed to it and I always hoped he’d be a better chaser, so it was nice to do it, especially at Ascot."

Aucunrisque (left) delivers another winning victory for Chris and Freddie Gordon

Aucunrisque (second left) delivers another winning victory for Chris and Freddie GordonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Back to his best

Aucunrisque proved his class for the Gordons when scooping another valuable pot in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle.

Trained by Chris Gordon and ridden by son Freddie, the eight-year-old picked up just under £16,000 when recording his first success since last year’s Betfair Hurdle.

"That’s his mojo," said the winning jockey. "We know he stays well and it’s what he does best. He always puts in a good race and he’s a good, tough horse. It’s what you want in a horse and he’s given us loads of happy days. You can’t ask for much more, but it’s lovely when they give you a day like this at Ascot."

Future is bright

Joe Tizzard’s season continues to improve and he believes First Confession is a bright prospect going forwards.

The five-year-old, who finished third on his rules debut at Cheltenham last month, justified 10-11 favouritism when running 12 lengths clear of Oak Grove in the three-runner 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

Tizzard said: "I knew he’d improve at home, and although it was only a three-horse race, he’s got a lovely way about him and he’s a relentless galloper. Brendan [Powell, jockey] thinks he’ll be better if there’s more going on in a race. He’s still learning all the time and he’s got a great attitude and a big future."

Double joy

Jonathan Burke was on the right side of a photo-finish in the concluding bumper when Kdeux Saint Fray edged out Blues Singer. It was the second part of a double for the jockey, who partnered Law Of Supply to victory in the previous 3m handicap chase.

Successful day

Ascot chief Nick Smith expressed his delight after a crowd of 9,286 took advantage of free entry to the raceday.

Although the figure was down from 9,971 in 2023, Smith described the initiative as a success and explained why it was significant to those in attendance.

He said: "It’s so important to push the message that racing is a great day out. That matters across the spectrum, and whilst we’re keen to have days focused on the younger generation, it’s equally important to have days like today, which are likely to be more available to retired people and the invaluable, existing racing audience, some of whom will feel the effects of the cost of living increases."

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