Venetia Williams recorded a beautiful double, thanks to Royal Mayhem who signs a second consecutive victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, while Martator won with authority in the Lay & Wheeler Hurst Park Handicap Chase at Ascot. These two events also attracted French starters who were competitive until the final phase before showing signs of fatigue. Gold Tweet, the resident of Gabriel Leenders, galloped behind the leader Royal Mayhem until three obstacles from the end when he began to feel the effects of a very difficult terrain to finish fourth. At Ascot, Marvel by Cerisytrained by Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm, also galloped near the lead, but ultimately finished sixth. As for their other starter Kloth of Utopiahe ranks third behind Western Knight in the Restorations UK Novices’ Hurdle. Note that the famous owner Rich Ricci celebrated his 100e group I success thanks to Royal Mayhem and declared: “It’s fantastic. The rain came at the right time and Venetia did a superb job. Obviously, Willie (Mullins) won 98 of our 100 Group Is, but it’s a great win and I love this Haydock racecourse. As for Royal Mayhemhe may not win a Cheltenham Gold Cup, but here he was superb.” If the victory of Royal Mayhem, raised by Philippe Macé, was not a surprise, in Punchestown in Ireland, the defeat of State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle certainly was. It’s the mare Brighterdaysaheadbred by François-Marie Cottin, who won ahead of the winner of ten Group Is. His jockey Jack Kennedy said: “Gordon Elliott and I admire this mare. It’s great that she was able to show off her talent today. She beats State Man in wrestling and it was difficult.”
