There’s something quietly stirring in Patrick Neville’s camp this week — a mix of calm confidence and anticipation. The Real Whacker, the horse who lit up Wetherby last autumn with a gritty front-running victory, returns on Saturday for another crack at the G2 Charlie Hall Chase. And this time, his trainer believes he’s even better.
“The Real Whacker is in super form,” Neville said, his voice tinged with both pride and caution. “To be honest, I think we have him better prepared this time than he was last year.”
The nine-year-old gelding has already written his name into Wetherby folklore, having held off Bravemansgame in a thrilling renewal twelve months ago. Now, he’s chasing a rare slice of history — to become just the fourth horse to win successive Charlie Hall Chases, following in the hoofprints of See More Business, One Man, and Celtic Shot.
Seasoned rivals and an open contest ahead
The Real Whacker’s campaign last season saw him run bravely in elite company, finishing fourth in the King George VI Chase and fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This term, he returns fitter after a promising second in a Perth handicap hurdle, and with cheekpieces added to sharpen his focus.
“He’s getting a bit clever now that he’s older,” Neville quipped. “The cheekpieces will just give him a bit extra. It’s an open race this year — you could make a case for most of them, but we’re not afraid of anyone.”
Standing in his way are some formidable names. Protektorat, trained by Dan Skelton, shoulders the mantle of favourite after a glittering record that includes the Chase (2022) and Ryanair Chase (2024). Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy also lines up, aiming to give his trainer a record-equalling sixth win in this prestigious contest.
Meanwhile, Irish raider Hewick, who famously captured the 2023 King George VI Chase, arrives off the back of a smooth hurdle victory at Thurles. Venetia Williams’ Djelo, with two G2 wins last term including a defeat of Protektorat, adds further intrigue. Completing the field is Ga Law, the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner for Jamie Snowden.
odds:
Protektorat 9/4, Pic D’Orhy 10/3, Hewick 7/2, Djelo 4/1, The Real Whacker 8/1, Ga Law 20/1
Supporting action: stars across the card
Saturday’s undercard brims with quality. Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader heads the G2 Hurdle (2.22pm) field, having landed the 2024 Liverpool Hurdle before finishing runner-up in the same race this spring.
Champion Hurdle heroine Golden Ace makes her seasonal return in the Listed Mares’ Hurdle (1.50pm), facing familiar rival Dysart Enos, while Winter Fog and Potters Charm add further depth to the staying hurdle ranks.
The meeting kicks off on Friday with the Handicap Chase and Listed Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle, setting the tone for a top-class weekend of Jump racing.
Conditions ideal for a big-stage clash
With the going officially Good, Wetherby’s Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, expressed satisfaction with the preparation. “The track is just on the slow side of Good. We’ve had around 35mm of rain since mid-October and added 45mm of water this week to keep it consistent,” he said.
Tickets for both days remain available online and on the gate, with a strong Irish contingent expected to travel in support of The Real Whacker’s title defence.
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