Williams targets hat-trick

NO trainer has won three successive Charlie Hall Chases – a piece of history that Welsh handler Evan Williams hopes to create this Saturday in Wetherby's showcase £100,000 race.

Many of National Hunt racing's great names have achieved memorable doubles in the past 30 years – distinguished names like Michael Dickinson, Charlie Brooks, Gordon W Richards, Paul Nicholls and Howard Johnson.

Having won the Bet 365-sponsored race two years ago with State of Play who went on to perform admirably in successive Grand Nationals, Williams is hopeful that the progressive Deep Purple can replicate his success of 12 months ago.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now nine, Deep Purple went on to win the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon after his Charlie Hall triumph – and Williams is confident of an eyecatching comeback run from the 6-1 ante-post favourite.

"Deep Purple seems very well and has done his work well," said Williams.

"His most impressive performance last year was winning the Peterborough and we'll head there again as he seems to enjoy it."

Deep Purple's opponents could include George Charlton's Knockara Beau – the Northumberland trainer says his seven-year-old will run if the forecast rain falls on the West Yorkshire track. "He's done very well over the summer. He's strengthened up and he's a nice horse," said Charlton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul Hanagan's lead over Richard Hughes in the jockeys' championship remains at eight after the Malton rider drew a frustrating blank at Catterick yesterday.

Sir Robert Ogden's classy Irish St Leger victor Sans Frontieres is out of next week's Breeders' Cup.

Mark Bradburne rode his first winner since returning from serious injury when steering home Pairc Na Gcapall in the Crinkle Birr Handicap Chase at Taunton.

He showed he had lost none of his desire to win on Pairc Na Gcapall (7-2).

Related topics: