Connections of L’Homme Presse see the Betfair Ascot Chase as a perfect stepping stone to the “greatest race of the season” – the Cheltenham Gold Cup. After an emotional comeback win in Lingfield, Venetia Williams’ nine-year-old is now firmly in contention for the prestigious Gold Cup.

A Return to Ascot

L’Homme Presse could potentially drop back to two miles and five furlongs at Ascot on February 17th, seeking a third Grade One triumph. The horse has previously won at this track and his owners believe it suits him well. They describe it as a “lovely, big galloping track” with fences that demand proper jumping skills.

The timing works out perfectly for L’Homme Presse, with four weeks between both races. This gives them ample time to prepare and fine-tune their strategy before heading towards one of horseracing’s most coveted events – the Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 15th.

No Room for Rustiness

The team behind L’Homme Presse are determined not to leave any stone unturned in their quest for success at the Gold Cup. They understand that there’s no room for rustiness when competing in such a high-stakes race; they need their horse to be spot-on physically and mentally.

“There’s nowhere to hide and you can’t be ring-rusty when you go to the Gold Cup, you have to be spot on,” says Andy Edwards, one of L’Homme Presse’s owners.

Although they acknowledge the element of taking opportunities as they arise, they believe that participating in races such as Ascot is a crucial stepping stone towards their ultimate goal. They want L’Homme Presse to gain race fitness and build momentum for the big challenge ahead.

A Showdown at Lingfield

The recent Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield showcased a thrilling battle between L’Homme Presse and Dan Skelton’s Protektorat. The two horses engaged in a titanic tussle throughout the race, providing spectators with an electrifying spectacle.

“It was a proper horse race from two excellent racehorses,” commends Andy Edwards on the intense competition.

L’Homme Presse emerged victorious but acknowledges that it could easily have been Protektorat’s day. Despite this rivalry, there was great sportsmanship shown by both teams after the race.

“As the horses were going out I went over to Dan Skelton and we both had these big silly grins on and wished each other the best of luck… It was a great spectacle for everyone and for the sport,” recalls Edwards about his exchange with Skelton post-race.

This display of mutual respect highlights not only their competitive spirit but also their love for horseracing. Both sets of connections take pride in their horses’ performances, appreciating what each brings to create an exceptional event.