L’Homme Presse squad eagerly anticipates his upcoming comeback this weekend
Owner Andy Edwards Backs L’Homme Presse for Lingfield’s Fleur De Lys Chase
The upcoming Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield has caught the attention of owner Andy Edwards, who believes it is the ideal race for his horse, L’Homme Presse. Trained by Venetia Williams and winner of the 2022 Brown Advisory, this talented gelding hasn’t been seen on track since a mishap in the King George VI Chase.
Injury forced L’Homme Presse to take a year-long break from racing but now he’s ready to make his comeback. Edwards, alongside Peter Pink as co-owner, expressed confidence about Sunday’s race being on despite the long absence of their contender.
“We were trying to get him out before Christmas,” said Edwards. “However, we never thought Kempton would be suitable for him after what happened in the King George. So we decided to wait for this opportunity.”
L’Homme Presse has had ample time off and most horses come back strong after such breaks; nevertheless, only time will tell how well he performs. It’s an exciting moment after 13 months filled with concerns and anticipation. The team put tremendous effort into getting him ready for this race.
Edwards firmly believes that Sunday’s intermediate distance is perfect for L’Homme Presse’s return journey and serves as an excellent preparation run for any three-mile event: “After winning the Scilly Isles a few years ago, it seemed like he was headed towards shorter distances rather than targeting longer races like the Brown Advisory.”
Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat and December Gold Cup victor Fugitif are expected to provide stiff competition alongside Sam Thomas’ promising entry Iwilldoit. Gavin Cromwell brings his own contender, Limerick Lace, who has displayed excellent form with a second-place finish in the Troytown and a comfortable win at Doncaster’s Listed race.
Winter Million weekend promises to be action-packed for Cromwell, as Only By Night may face off against Nicky Henderson’s Pawapuri and the improving Manimole in the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. In addition, 14 horses are set to compete in the Godstone Handicap Chase, featuring contenders like Master Chewy, First Flow, and Triple Trade.
Lingfield also sets the stage for an exciting all-weather Flat card on Saturday with the £100,000 BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies’ Handicap. Amongst the ten potential runners are George Boughey’s progressive Storymaker and Simon and Ed Crisford’s pair of Twirling and Oh So Grand.