Djelo delivered a commanding performance in the Trustatrader Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, transforming what appeared to be a competitive race into a one-sided affair.
Trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch, the six-year-old bounced back impressively after a narrow defeat to JPR One in last month’s Haldon Gold Cup. Sent off as the 2-1 second favourite, Djelo thrived in the testing conditions and claimed victory with ease.
Taking an early lead from Nickle Back, Djelo moved to the front down the back straight. From there, the race was never in doubt. While Protektorat (6-4 favourite) and Ginny’s Destiny gave chase in the closing stages, Djelo effortlessly maintained his dominance, cruising home with a six-length margin over Protektorat and leaving Ginny’s Destiny a further seven and a half lengths adrift in third.
Coral has priced Djelo at 12-1 for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, hinting at bigger targets ahead.
Trainer Reaction and Future Plans
Venetia Williams expressed delight at the victory, saying:
"I’m so thrilled—for Pete Davies, the owner, for Charlie, who rode him beautifully, and for the horse himself. It was a wonderful performance. Going to the last down the back, I looked behind and thought, ‘They’re all in trouble now.’"
Djelo’s progression since switching to fences has been remarkable, highlighted by his third-place finish in the Turners Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.
Williams added:
"He’s been running in handicaps up until now, but I think he’s stepping up to somewhere near the level of our other flagbearers, Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse, in the three-mile division."
While undecided on Djelo’s next steps, Williams hinted that a rise in the handicap could push the gelding toward the open-graded company.
Djelo’s impressive Huntingdon victory not only cements his reputation as a rising star but also adds another contender to Venetia Williams’ strong team for the season ahead.