Gemirande takes December gold for Williams and Deutsch

Gemirande dug deep to give Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch another big Saturday success in the Nyetimber December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old was prominent throughout the £125,000 contest, but looked set to face a major threat from Madara when that rival came through to challenge over the final two fences.

However, Gemirande (11-2) jumped both of those obstacles efficiently and found just that little bit more up the hill to prevail by a length.

Last year’s winner Fugitif put up a solid defence of his title but had to settle for third place this time, a further seven and a half lengths back.

Deutsch said: “I’ve grown to love this horse, he’s quite a character and his jumping was electric.

“I’m chuffed for him to get his head in front, he loves racing and is really enthusiastic. His jumping is so quick, he is quite a keen-going sort, so I was conscious we needed a breather on the way round.

“I felt I had a little bit there (at the last), it was just whether Madara would have a bit more, but he’s really game and he tries.

“He’s definitely got better with age, he was struggling to finish his races earlier in his career. It’s nice that he’s getting there now. Venetia is a magician with what she does with these horses.”

Recent big wins for the trainer-jockey combination have included Royale Pagaille and Djelo, and Deutsch added: “I’m really enjoying it, I’m confident and I know how Venetia works now. I have so much confidence in her and her horses.”

On her hot streak, Williams said: “It’s been amazing. You always look at the big races that are on offer and see if you’ve got something for them.

“I wanted to run this horse in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but he was out of the weights, so we went to Ascot instead. The way he quickened from the last to the line at Ascot, I haven’t seen that for a long time. I was so impressed and I thought we’ve definitely got to come here for this.

“Charlie wasn’t quite sure how he was going to do the weight (10st 2lb) and I didn’t know what he was going to amputate! Yesterday, I think he was 10st 7lb and he said ‘I’ll do the weight’. He could have gone for a couple of easier weight options at Doncaster, but he was very keen to come and ride him.

“He’s a big guy, he’s got big shoulders and he hasn’t done 10st 2lb for a while. I think he’s an outstanding jockey.

“Last season wasn’t really a full season at all for the horse. He got a really nasty overreach which took ages to get on top of, so last season didn’t really count.

“We don’t do long-term targets, this was a good enough one.”

Williams could be double-handed when seeking another major triumph in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

She added: “Hopefully we’ll run both L’Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille in the King George. He (L’Homme Presse) worked this morning and that’s the plan at the moment.”