Soul Icon pulls off 16-1 upset in Desert Orchid as strong pace sees big names capitulate

Some of the biggest names in the two-mile chasing division were put firmly in their place in the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase as Soul Icon stormed through the gloom to cause an upset.

Editeur Du Gite set off at a ferocious pace in his bid for a hat-trick in the Grade 2 before the 2022 Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone picked up the mantle at the third last, but neither had an answer to the powerful rally of Soul Icon.

Although technically a novice, Keiran Burke's stable star was making his tenth start over fences, having finished third to Master Chewy in the Wayward Lad on this card 12 months ago. Despite running from 4lb out of the handicap, this time he looked far more accomplished under Harry Cobden.

"It's funny how it works out," the jockey said. "We went quick with two keen horses in front and I just thought we'd take a lead and follow away. He's not a big horse, but he's very clever and has got a big jump when you need him. The weight has just helped him out."

Soul Icon was only narrowly denied at the same level at Wincanton in October but was sent off a 16-1 chance after being beaten 38 lengths into fourth in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase when last seen. This time he produced his best for a deserved first Graded success.

"I think he's been very unlucky," Cobden said. "Three or four times over fences he's looked like he's going to win and something has nailed him in the last 25 yards. I think the way the race played out today, going so quick early and not being in front too long, helped him out."

On winning for Burke, he added: "I get a buzz riding any horse to win in a race like this, but it means so much more to those little guys as they don't have many darts to throw at the board."

Bold Beachcomber

It has been difficult to stop Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch this winter, but their 11-4 favourite Frero Banbou could finish only second as Beachcomber ran away with the 3m handicap chase.

The six-year-old was pulled up at Cheltenham last time but got into a smooth front-running rhythm in first-time blinkers to record his first chase success under Richie McLernon.

"The blinkers definitely helped him out," joint-trainer AJ O'Neill said. "He jumped very well. Rich got him in a lovely rhythm from quite early on, he was able to dictate as he wanted to, and I think going right-handed definitely helped as well. I think we'll just enjoy today and have a party on the way home."

Jubilant Jones

Ben Jones made a Grade 1 breakthrough at the track on Thursday and added two more Kempton winners to his Christmas haul when bookending the card with Knight Templar and Ooh Betty.

The former built on his debut second at Huntingdon to take some notable scalps, while the latter fought off all comers from the front to record her second win of the campaign.

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