Shhh! 'Magnificent' Cyrname silences critics in Charlie Hall demolition

Cyrname ended any doubts over his ability to race left-handed and stay three miles with an imperious display in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, which left Paul Nicholls firmly of the belief Britain's highest-rated chaser can be a major force away from his beloved Ascot.

With a trip to Down Royal ruled out due to travel complications, Nicholls headed to Wetherby on a fact-finding mission with the eight-year-old, whose defeat of Altior in the most recent of his three wins at Ascot in November earned him an official rating of 177.

After gathering the desired intelligence, the trainer expressed his satisfaction at silencing those who queried the suitability of the Johnny de la Hey-owned runner going anti-clockwise over the trip.

With those question marks hanging over him, Cyrname, who was rated 13lb higher than his nearest Wetherby rival, had drifted in the betting all week and he was usurped as favourite by Vinndication.

Yet it was vindication for Nicholls as the 3-1 winner, who was 5-4 at the beginning of the week, jumped straight throughout and cruised to a two-length victory under Harry Cobden, who had time to peer around for non-existent dangers on the run-in.

"He was magnificent and I'm thrilled to bits as that meant a lot," beamed Nicholls. "Everyone was saying he wouldn't go left or get three miles, but class is permanent and I never had any concerns.

"He had been jumping a bit left, but I didn't think that would be an issue. Three years ago he was a completely different horse to the one we're seeing now and he's much more relaxed.

"It means you can ride him accordingly and it doesn't matter if you go left-handed, right-handed or three miles – that opens up a lot more doors."

Harry Cobden is congratulated by Kate Nutt and Rodrigo Ramos after winning the Charlie Hall aboard CyrnameCredit: Dan Abraham (Pool)

Cobden, who opted to ride Cyrname over 21-length winner Clan Des Obeaux in last season's King George VI Chase, took a pull as the tapes went up and got his mount into a good rhythm off the pace.

Cyrname was still full of running turning for home and after Cobden let him go three out he quickly stretched clear of Vinndication, who stayed on for second, with Aye Right plugging on for a gallant third.

"We've changed a lot of things. We haven't bounced him out and he's settled, jumped and stayed on really well," said the winning jockey.

"He was straight as a die. He went everywhere I wanted him to go and I'm happy it's gone right. He's a little bit more relaxed than he was last year – he's getting older and wiser."

There is nobody wiser in the staying chase department than Nicholls, who plans to take Cyrname back to the Ladbrokes-sponsored King George and possibly the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup over 3m2½f.

One-way traffic: Cyrname breezes to Charlie Hall successCredit: Dan Abraham

Cyrname was cut to 7-2 joint-favourite (from 10) by Betfair Sportsbook to go one better in the King George, although he is 4-1 generally, with the same firm going 20-1 for the Gold Cup.

Nicholls, who was winning his fourth Charlie Hall, said: "He'll improve for that. We'll give him some time and probably head to Kempton. I've always thought Leopardstown would suit him so I might cover my options and make an entry, but it might be difficult to go there.

"Kempton suits him and I wouldn't worry about last year as he was wrong. If we can get him back to his very best he'll be a serious challenger.

"I thought if he was successful today we'd go to the Denman Chase and Gold Cup. I don't see any reason why he won't get that trip at Cheltenham as I don't think he's got the pace to be a Ryanair horse."

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