French trainer Gabriel Leenders is targeting further British success as his versatile gelding Gold Tweet prepares for the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
Leenders, based in Les Landes, first tasted British glory with Gold Tweet’s victory in the 2023 Cleeve Hurdle and added to his tally last weekend when Sweet David triumphed in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.
Now, Gold Tweet returns to action, transitioning back to fences after recent preparatory runs over shorter distances in France.
“Everything is very good with him. He’s been prepared for this race, and it is his target,” Leenders said. “We’re really happy with him, and all the lights are green for the race.”
Elite Field Confirmed
A stellar lineup of nine has been confirmed for the Betfair Chase, including defending champion Royale Pagaille, who aims to bounce back after a fall in the Cotswold Chase earlier this year. Last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame, trained by Paul Nicholls, will also return, with Nicholls keeping a close eye on the weekend’s potentially wet weather conditions.
“We always like to have a runner in the Betfair Chase,” said Nicholls. “Let’s hope there’s some proper rain coming at last.”
Also in contention is Hewick, the King George VI Chase winner trained by Shark Hanlon. Hewick is race-fit following a close second to Envoi Allen in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal last month.
Skelton’s Grey Dawning Ready to Step Up
Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, who excelled at the Cheltenham Festival in the Turners Novices’ Chase, is making his seasonal debut. Although he has been defeated in his last two seasonal openers, Skelton is confident in his preparation this time:
“This is a totally different test. He needs to be ready against more seasoned, better horses the first time up. I fully believe he is as ready as he can be.”
Other Key Entries
- The Real Whacker: Winner of the Charlie Hall Chase, trained by Patrick Neville.
- Ahoy Senor: Third in the Old Roan Chase, representing Lucinda Russell.
- Capodanno: A late supplementary entry from Willie Mullins’ yard.
- Minella Drama (Donald McCain) and Limerick Lace (Gavin Cromwell) round out the field.
With proven champions and rising stars, the Betfair Chase promises a thrilling start to the elite staying chase season.