2024 Betfair Chase Result - Royal Pagaille goes back-to-back at Haydock

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Sat 23 Nov 2024 15:25

Jon Vine 23 Nov 2024

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Full result for the 2024 Betfair Chase
Royal Pagaille won this Grade One at Haydock on November 23rd
Watch a replay of the Betfair Chase here on our website

Charlie Deutsch riding Royal Pagaille. (Getty)

The first Grade One of the British National Hunt season took place in near darkness this afternoon, as Storm Bert descended upon Haydock Park.

Royal Pagaille won last year's Betfair Chase in testing conditions 12 months ago and Venetia Williams' star was backed into favouritism once the rains arrived. Dan Skelton had been hoping for rain for Grey Dawning, who drifted out to second in the market, but was supported again in the minutes before the off and wrestled favouritism away from the defending champion.

Lucinda Russell's Ahoy Senor was fairly solid in the market, despite his trainer's concerns about the ground. Gavin Cromwell sent over Mares' Chase winner Limerick Lace, who was cut into 7/1 from 14/1 in the build-up.

Both Hewick and The Real Whacker were removed from the field on account of the ground. Bravemansgame took his chance, despite favouring better conditions. French raider Gold Tweet represented Gabirle Leenders. Supplementary entry, Capodanno provided Willie Mullins with his first ever runner in this Grade One.

2024 Betfair Chase Result

Position	Name	Odds
1st	Royal Pagaille	11/4
2nd	Grey Dawning	15/8f
3rd	Bravemansgame	11/1

Royal Pagaille was the first to show, with Bravemansgame also keen to make the running. Grey Dawning settled down on the rail in third place, with Gold Tweet a place behind.

As he was in the Old Roan, Ahoy Senor was held up off the pace by Derek Fox. Capodanno came next, with Keith Donoghue holding on to Limerick Lace at the rear.

Grey Dawning travelled exuberantly, giving his fences plenty of air. There were a couple of early errors from Royal Pagaille and Gold Tweet, but on the whole, the field was jumping well.

With seven fences to jump, Charlie Deutch asked Royal Pagaille for a little extra. The defending champion attempted to open up a lead, with Gold Tweet and Grey Dawning both hot on his heels.

Ahoy Senor was the first to crack and became a little detached with a circuit to travel. Capodanno attempted to make up some ground, but his effort flattened out fairly quickly. Limerick Lace never travelled a yard and was virtually pulled up on the turn for home.

Bravemansgame soon began to struggle and lost touch with the leader. With Gold Tweet out on his feet, the market leaders settled down for a thrilling battle.

Grey Dawning produced an excellent jump at the second-last and opened up a small lead. Harry Skelton's mount, however, ran down the final flight, opening the door for Royal Pagaille, who fought back to pass the flagging leader and retain his crown in style!