'These are the days you live for' – Royale Pagaille completes 100th Grade 1 win for jubilant Rich Ricci with second Betfair success

Leading owner Rich Ricci was choked with emotion after celebrating the 100th top-flight victory in his colours when Royale Pagaille joined an illustrious list of chasing greats by winning back-to-back runnings of the Betfair Chase. 

Ricci has always worn his heart on his sleeve, and while the landmark success came away from his traditional hunting grounds and not for his main trainer Willie Mullins, he celebrated it like another championship race at Cheltenham.

Royale Pagaille might not possess the ability of a Faugheen, Douvan or Annie Power, but at Haydock in attritional conditions he has proved too much for anyone.

The star of Venetia Williams' stable was headed by last season's top novice Grey Dawning in the home straight, but he battled back on the run-in to win the race again, just as Kauto Star, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai had done before him.

Ricci, who made his millions in banking, has been one of jump racing's most ardent supporters since claiming a first win at the highest level with Mikael D'Haguenet in 2008.

His pink and green silks have been a constant in the major races in Britain, Ireland and abroad, and he soaked up the achievement of Royale Pagaille in the Haydock downpours.

"It's fantastic," he said. "The rain came and Venetia has done a brilliant job with him. Willie has won 98 of the 100, but it means a lot doing it here as I love Haydock.

"The way he dug in after the last was amazing and you dream of these moments. You can make as much money as you want, but you can't buy thrills, happiness and emotion. That's what this sport brings, good and bad. 

"We've had some great days and some horrible days, but these are the ones you live for, and that's why I'm in the game and love it."

At the start of the day, it appeared Ricci's best chance of bringing up the milestone rested with Lossiemouth in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown, but she was ruled out of the race with a sore foot.

The owner, who races his horses under the name of his wife Susannah, was always planning to catch the train north and the decision proved a masterstroke.

"I wanted to come today to support Venetia as she's brilliant," he said. "I was on the platform at Euston waiting to come to Haydock when Willie called to tell me Lossiemouth was a bit lame this morning.

"It would have been nice if Willie had done it because he's done 98 of them, but it'll keep him on his toes."

Rich Ricci celebrates his 100th Grade 1 winnerCredit: John Grossick Racing

Royale Pagaille has certainly kept Williams on her toes. The ten-year-old had been off the track since fracturing a shoulder in a fall in the Cotswold Chase in January.

On the back of that long layoff, he could have been forgiven for tiring in the closing stages under Charlie Deutsch, who returned from a recent fall only the day before.

However, Haydock is Royale Pagaille's home turf and he knows every blade of grass on the long home straight, and all the mud patches too.

Were it not for finishing second to a rampant A Plus Tard in this race three years ago, he would be unbeaten in six starts here.

"He's a horse we're obviously very proud of and I'm thrilled Rich has got a very nice horse to carry his colours in this country," said Williams.

"I knew in the summer Rich wasn't far off his 100th winner and it was mentioned it would be rather amusing if it occurred here.

"It's unbelievable because he was beaten, wasn't he? He's had to do all the hard work and was being a bit careful at the obstacles, but he's not beaten until he's beaten."

Royale Pagaille was cut to 20-1 (from 40) with Betfair Sportsbook for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26, which features among his options.

"He's been second in a King George and he would have been back here last year for a third Peter Marsh, but it was abandoned. I know it's a handicap, but that's obviously an interesting option," Williams said.

"It's quite clear that ground is key for him to be at his very best and you don't often get that after February and into March, but you never know, it might be different this year."

Grey Dawning's trainer Dan Skelton was naturally disappointed by the two-length defeat and ruled out a potential rematch with Royale Pagaille in the King George.

"I'm gutted, but the winner is a hard horse to beat and I take my hat off to him," he said. "It looked like we had him beat, but he found a little bit more.

"Christmas will be too soon by probably six weeks; there’s no way you’ll see him at Christmas. 

"I’m not hitting the panic button and saying that’s our ceiling. We’ll go home and get him right and you might not see him for a while now."

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