Royale Pagaille successfully defends his Betfair Chase crown after stamina-sapping battle with Grey Dawning

Royale Pagaille recorded back-to-back wins in the Betfair Chase as he battled gallantly in attritional conditions to deny Grey Dawning. 

Last season's Turners Novices' Chase winner Grey Dawning and Harry Skelton took command at the second last, but a mistake at the final fence saw him hand the initiative back to the front-running Royale Pagaille. 

The Haydock specialist made a blunder himself three fences from home but recovered gamely under Charlie Deutsch, who punched the air in delight crossing the line.

"He's got such a lovely attitude and he's such a kind-natured horse," the rider told ITV Racing. "For him to do it twice just sets it in stone. It wasn't as pretty today, we had to set the fractions and some of the fences we took with us, but I think that's because the ground was hard work and he was just being economical. 

"I kept him going forward but when Harry [Skelton on Grey Dawning] came to us I thought we were beat. God, he really tries hard. 

"He really had to dig deep and the only thing that made me think we had a chance was that Harry was very slow over the last and I think it was just genuine character that got him across the line."

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

The ten-year-old has won two editions of the Peter Marsh Chase off marks of 156 and 163 and he joins Kauto Star, Silviniaco Conti, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai as a multiple winner of the Betfair Chase. 

He was cut to 20-1 (from 40) with Betfair Sportsbook for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26, with Grey Dawning unchanged at 6-1.

Royale Pagaille was a 100th Grade 1 winner for owners Rich and Susannah Ricci, while trainer Venetia Williams celebrated a high-profile Saturday treble when Martator landed the valuable Hurst Park Handicap Chase at Ascot under Ned Fox and Fontaine Collonges landed the staying handicap chase at Haydock under Deutsch.

Dan Skelton took plenty of encouragement from Grey Dawning's return. Skelton said: "It was a great run and he stepped up on last season. It's disappointing to be beaten but Royale Pagaille is a right old battler. I don't think we lost a great deal in defeat. It's the first time he's been in a real fight like that and I feel there's plenty more to come."

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