Venetia Williams' Double Win Brings Relief and Hope for the Future
'A relief and a long time coming' - Venetia Williams ends winless run with a double for first victories since December
It has been a challenging season for Venetia Williams, but the Grade 1-winning trainer returned to the winner's enclosure with a smile as bright as the Somerset sunshine thanks to a 38-1 double. Jeu D'Opale provided Williams with her first victory since Lady Pretender struck at Plumpton on December 15 when winning the 2m4f handicap chase at odds of 10-1, before 5-2 shot Camulus followed up in the 3m1f handicap chase.
Williams had saddled 70 runners in the 61 days since her last triumph, and she said: "It's relief, and a long time coming. I've forgotten what it's like. You say cycles, I think I've been riding a penny-farthing."
"It's very easy to look at statistics and put all the horses under an umbrella, but I've tried to look at them individually. We've had a few who have been placed and run well, but it was lovely to see Jeu D'Opale win. It's lovely for the owners, who have been very patient with him."
Williams, who this month opened up on her difficult campaign, is now looking ahead and hopes stable star L'Homme Presse can continue "flying the flag" for the yard when he bids for Cheltenham Gold Cup success. She said: "He's had three seconds this season, all in top races. A lot of our better horses have been running well, but we've had a few mishaps with them and they've not been able to carry on, so I'm pleased L'Homme Presse's been flying the flag. I hope the supporting team can follow through."
"He'll run in the Gold Cup to see if he can pick up a prize of some sort, and hopefully then he'll run in the Grand National."
Gamble Glory
Harry Derham hailed the Listed success of Queens Gamble as a team effort after she recorded her first victory in just over two years. Owned by Alex Frost and Ed Galvin, the eight-year-old delivered a powerful effort to land the 1m7½f mares’ novice chase on her third start over fences.
Queens Gamble endured a difficult summer with two bouts of colic, and Derham expressed his delight after her third Listed success. Derham said: "It’s given me huge satisfaction. She had two bad bouts of colic in the summer, and Alex Frost’s team at Ladyswood, particularly Emily Matten, did an amazing job in nursing her back to health."
"We were wondering if we’d even bring her back into training, but we did so to see if the appetite was still there. She’s run two decent races in defeat this season, but it’s been hard to get a run into her and then run her again."
Derham added: "I’m chuffed to bits for her owners – they’ve been so patient with her. Through no fault of her own she’s been difficult to train over the years, but she’s still got a good engine. It’s great that everyone has had their patience rewarded."
Controversy & Comment Hooks
The article highlights the relief and joy of Venetia Williams' double win, but it also raises questions about the challenges faced by trainers and the importance of patience and perseverance. It invites readers to share their thoughts and opinions on the topic, encouraging discussion and debate.
