It could prove an exciting spring for connections of L’Homme Presse, who now have Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup dreams after his Cotswold Chase heroics.
Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old has been a star for the Herefordshire handler and his collection of owners over the years and after finishing best of the Brits when third in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, he outmuscled Stage Star to notch his ninth career success last Saturday.
It was the third time he has returned victorious to the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure, after success in the Dipper in 2022 was followed up by a Cheltenham Festival win that March and his team were delighted to see him showcase his class once again as they enjoyed yet another special afternoon at Prestbury Park.
“It was a tremendous day and I don’t think I took a breath from him jumping two out to crossing the line, it was just surreal and one of those moments you just stand there speechless – time stood still until he crossed the line,” said Pam Sharman, who owns the horse alongside her brother Ray Sharman, Andy Edwards and Peter and Patricia Pink.
“It was sensational, there were 20,000 people at Cheltenham and the cheers they give your horse make it so special.
Laid Back
“He was an absolute dude and Charlie (Deutsch, jockey) said he was so laid-back during the race – and when Charlie kept trying to get him going, it was as if he was saying ‘not yet Charlie, when I’m ready’. As soon as he really asked him after the second-last, he went.
“You wouldn’t know he had a race, he trotted back in. Charlie got a super ride round and he said the horse enjoyed himself, which is the main thing – I’m not sure about me, but the horse did.”
After Dan Skelton stated Grey Dawning will skip the Gold Cup this year, L’Homme Presse’s victory means he is set to fly the flag among a compact home team of British-trained horses set to take on the might of Ireland and the likes of Galopin Des Champs in March.
L’Homme Presse, of course, led the field over the penultimate fence in last year’s blue riband before suffering an injury and fading into fourth, but having answered any nagging stamina doubts when staying on gamely past Stage Star, all roads now lead back to the Gold Cup with renewed optimism.
Gold Cup Challenge
“I know it will be a quicker pace in the Gold Cup, but we’ve still got a ticket,” continued Sharman.
“He just did enough to get his head in front of Stage Star and it just goes to show the answer to the question is yes, it did hurt when someone stood on his heel in the Gold Cup, because he definitely stayed the distance last Saturday.
“I think Venetia has 40 per cent of the British-trained entries because she also has Royale Pagaille and more than anything, you would love to win it for the yard, they are such lovely people.”
Randox Grand National
As well as a tilt at the Gold Cup, Sharman and her fellow owners have the tantalising prospect of watching L’Homme Presse tackle the famous spruce of the Randox Grand National after he was one of 90 initial entries for Aintree’s April showpiece.
With class now seen as one of the key ingredients found in winners of the Merseyside marathon, the Grade One regular would be far from out of place in the final line-up.
However, a final decision on his participation will be made by “the boss”, Williams.
“I don’t know how I will be able to last four and a quarter miles without breathing,” continued Sharman.
“He would be a great sight round there and he has got the class. Class horses win that race these days and that’s the bottom line. He will be near the top of the weights, so there will be no worry about getting in, but it’s a long way off and we will see what happens in the period leading up to it.
“Venetia knows what she is doing, she’s the boss and we’ll leave it in her very capable hands.”
