L’Eau Du Sud held on to his unbeaten record over fences as he claimed a poignant victory in the Unibet
Novices’ Chase at
.
The grey was carrying the famous yellow and red silks of his late co-owner John Hales, who died last week at the age of 85 and was famed for his association with such horses as One Man, Azertyuiop and Grand National hero Neptune Collonges among many others.
L’Eau Du Sud was sent off the 1-5 favourite for trainer
in a small field for the Grade Two, with Harry Skelton in the saddle against just three rivals.
He jumped and travelled well throughout and approaching the turn for home strolled into a clear lead, but Paul Nicholls’ Rubaud gave chase over the final two obstacles and reduced the margin to a length on the line.
Coral left L’Eau Du Sud unchanged at odds of 9-1 for next month’s Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, behind 8-11 favourite Sir Gino and 7-4 shot Majborough.
More to follow...