Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams notched yet another big winner when Victtorino was produced to lead right on the line to win the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase for the second successive year at Ascot. Sent off as the 5-2 favourite, Victtorino had caught attention by finishing third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, where he faced several jumping errors. Despite those mistakes reappearing during this race, he saved his best leap for the final challenge, which proved pivotal.
The race unfolded at a relentless pace, with three horses setting the early tempo—Trelawne, The Changing Man, and Threeunderthrufive. Deutsch, riding with confidence following big race wins on Royale Pagaille, Martator, Gemirande, and Djelo earlier this season, stayed detached from the main pack. He gradually positioned himself for contention, moving up to fourth place with just three fences remaining, watching The Changing Man lead the field.
Approaching the last jump, it became clear the outcome hinged on the jumping ability of the horses. Deutsch detected the perfect stride as Victtorino surged forward, enabling them to land running and secure victory by half a length. This marked the second occasion this season where Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man faced defeat against Williams’ training prowess, previously losing to Frero Banbou at the Rehearsal Chase.
Reflecting on the race, Williams expressed, “I thought halfway up the run-in he wasn’t going to get there, all credit to the second horse. He’ll be fed up with us because he’s seen our backsides the last two Saturdays he’s run.” Her praise for Deutsch’s riding was evident, though she humorously noted, “It wasn’t quite Paul Carberry,” contrasting the strategic approaches of the two jockeys. Williams added, “The important thing is he jumped much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much.
Over the course of the racing season, Deutsch has showcased his expertise repeatedly. One memorable ride on Gemirande at Cheltenham was particularly noteworthy; it was after this event where Williams joked about his extreme weight management tactics, saying he would have to amputate one of his limbs to make the necessary weight of 10-2. The reality of his preparation was just as severe, with Deutsch sharing, “I only ate an apple, banana, and some salmon,” leading up to the race. This case highlights the intense physical demands on jockeys seeking to maintain weight within specific limits.
The extreme measures jockeys resort to have raised alarms within the sport. With saunas now prohibited on racecourses, competitors often face challenges to balance their well-being with the demands placed on their physical conditions, adapting their diets and routines significantly. One suggestion voiced within the community is to reconsider weight allowances, advocating for adjustments to minimum handicap weights to make life more bearable for those riding.
Meanwhile, amid the successes and controversies, jockey Lorcan Williams found himself at the center of scrutiny following his disqualification at Newbury, where he exceeded the whip limit during the race aboard Captain Bellamy. He faced strong criticism for his misuse of the whip, generating outrage among both fans and officials. This incident has drawn attention to jockeys’ responsibilities toward racehorse welfare and adherence to rules, as infractions can compromise the integrity of the sport.
Despite the ups and downs experienced by the riders this season, their determination is evident. With the year drawing to a close, Deutsch and Williams have emerged as key figures within horse racing, thanks to their ability to tackle challenges and excel on notable occasions.
Successes like the recent victory at Ascot signal not just achievements for the duo but also forecast competitive preparations for the upcoming racing calendar. The dynamic partnership between Deutsch and Williams is one to watch, as they continue paving their way through another thrilling racing season.
