Charlie Deutsch will look ahead with measured excitement as Saturday, 22nd November approaches, knowing Royale Pagaille stands one race away from entering Chase folklore at Haydock Park. Their long partnership makes the idea of three consecutive victories feel both personal and historic. “It would be incredible to add a bit of history to his career,” he will acknowledge.
It is a challenge loaded with context. Since the race’s inception in 2005, stars such as Bristol De Mai, Cue Card and the mighty Kauto Star have claimed the prize three times, yet not one managed the feat in successive years. Royale Pagaille now stands alone with that opportunity, bidding to follow up his victories over the past two seasons, including last year’s brave outstaying of Grey Dawning in heavy ground. He turns eleven now, the same age Kauto Star was when producing his record-breaking fourth triumph in 2011, and while age adds uncertainty, Deutsch sees no reason to step away from the belief that Haydock brings out the horse’s very best.
Royale Pagaille’s position in the field reflects the presence of younger rivals Grey Dawning, Haiti Couleurs and Handstands, whose profiles naturally draw headlines. But Deutsch has no issue operating out of the spotlight. “He has always been treated like the underdog,” he laughed. “There should be pressure after winning it twice, but there isn’t. It would be lovely to beat the younger horses again—these clashes are what jump racing is all about.”
His respect for those challengers is clear. Grey Dawning, a year older and wiser than when finishing runner-up, remains the most obvious danger. Haiti Couleurs brings raw potential, while Handstands must prove he stays the extended trip. “Grey Dawning will be fit and ready—he’s the big threat,” Deutsch noted. “Last year we just outstayed him. If the rain comes, it helps us; it blunts the younger horses’ speed.”
Weather, as always at Haydock, could be the deciding factor. Soft ground is Royale Pagaille’s comfort zone, and Deutsch does not hide his preference. “I’d like plenty of rain,” he said with a grin. “He loves the long straights, that tight home bend—when you ride him around Haydock, it’s like he’s a football team playing at home.”
Royale Pagaille’s form after last year’s Chase win left questions, with a handful of subdued runs culminating in being pulled up in the Grand National. Yet Deutsch refuses to allow those performances to define his partner. “You can forgive them,” he said. “He’s had ups and downs throughout his career, and you don’t judge him when things aren’t completely in his favour. He feels good, and Jerry, who rides him every day, is pleased with him.”
With only a handful of winners so far this season, a victory of this magnitude would give Deutsch’s campaign fresh momentum—though he is thinking as much of the horse as of himself. “If you can’t get quantity, go for quality,” he said. “Winning another Grade One would be amazing. I really want him to do it.”
And so the stage is set. Haydock Park, the venue Royale Pagaille knows intimately, the ground he relishes, the challenge he seems built for. History has tested many great chasers on this stretch of Lancashire turf.
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