The Lancashire Chase at Haydock is one of the biggest Grade One contests staged in the North West.
This year’s winner – Royale Pagaille – could now be set to feature in the Blue Riband event in the sport, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, later in the campaign.
Wow! Royale Pagaille wins the Betfair Chase! pic.twitter.com/hM7iAK5paV
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 25, 2023
Many horse racing fans from Manchester will be making the annual pilgrimage to Gloucestershire in March for the biggest week of the year in Jumps racing.
They are likely to see the Haydock winner look to add his name alongside the famous Gold Cup roll of honour.
Williams’ Chaser Is No Stranger to the Race
Royale Pagaille is set for his fourth appearance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season.
He is 20/1 in the race betting for the feature at the Cheltenham Festival.
Those backing the Lancashire Chase winner should consider the leading horse racing promotions and offers before placing their Cheltenham bets this year, including the bet £10, get £30 in free bets available to new customers with bet365 and Kwiff.
The best Royale Pagaille has finished in the Gold Cup so far is a fifth place which he achieved in 2022 in the race won by A Plus Tard.
A year ago, he had to settle for sixth position, as Galopin Des Champs was far too good for his rivals.
Venetia Williams’ runner is set to take on the front two from the 2023 Gold Cup again, as Galopin Des Champs and Bravesmangame will feature in the 3m2f contest.
There are also likely to be new challengers this season, with Gerri Colombe, Fastorslow, and The Real Whacker considered to be strong contenders from Ireland.
King George Warm-Up Run
Royale Pagaille is set for at least one more run before he appears in the Gold Cup.
He is entered to feature in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
He finished second in that race in 2022 behind Bravemansgame.
Royale Pagaille – all heart in the Peter Marsh Chase to win the contest once again
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 22, 2022
2022
2021
He defies top-weight in a thrilling finish to £75,000 feature for @VenetiaWRacing & @charliedeutsch2 in the Ricci colours at @haydockraces pic.twitter.com/un3hVQa9js
The Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock is another option for Royale Pagaille in January.
He has won that stayers’ contest twice.
If he can make it a hat-trick of victories in 2024, he will become the first horse in history to win the race three times.
Trainer Bidding for Maiden Gold Cup Triumph
In what is turning out to be an excellent season for Williams, she goes into the Cheltenham Festival with a strong chance of winning the most prestigious race in the sport for the first time.
Her star horse is now rated as high as 166 in the division, that’s one of the highest ratings on any staying chaser in the UK.
Although Williams has yet to win the biggest race at the Cheltenham Festival, she knows all about major glory.
She became just the second female in history at the time to win the Grand National when Mon Mome was successful in 2009.
Fifteen years after that huge success, she will be looking to steal the headlines once again.
The 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on the 15th of March on what is the fourth and final day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
