The seasoned bay, Djelo, showed his mettle with an impressive triumph in the William Hill Bet10 Get10 On Racing Denman Chase at Newbury. Under the skilled hands of jockey Charlie Deutsch, Djelo was installed as the 6-4 favorite amongst the field of seven competitors in this captivating Grade Two event. Set just shy of a three mile distance, the track conditions perfectly suited Djelo’s prowess.
Throughout the event, Djelo demonstrated a fondness for the soft going and thrived in the extended distance, which was a first in his racing journey. Initially settled by Deutsch, Djelo made his strategic move with two fences left to jump. The gelding approached the final hurdle with a bit of close proximity, yet demonstrated ample reserves to secure victory by a breezy three-and-a-half lengths over the consistent runner-up Hitman. This marked Hitman’s recurrent second-place finish in the Denman Chase, a testament to his persistence.
Trainer Venetia Williams expressed her plans for Djelo’s near future, warming to the idea of pursuing the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The bookmakers have adjusted Djelo’s odds to 12-1, a significant slash from earlier markings at 20-1. Williams, seasoned in the world of horse racing, indicated a preference for the Ryanair’s extended two-and-a-half-mile stretch over the alternative shorter Queen Mother Champion Chase.
In Williams’ words, “A week ago we were set for the Game Spirit, but a quick glance at the Denman entries right before closure changed our course. Including Djelo was undeniably the right call.” The transformation in strategy showcases the dynamic nature of horse racing where split-second decisions often lead to stellar outcomes.
As a horse with potential yet to completely blossom, Djelo has not been entered for the Gold Cup, with no apparent regrets from the trainer. With future races looking bright, Williams remarked, “He’s primed for the Ryanair now and a King George campaign is on the radar for next season. Djelo’s maturity and talent growth is evident, and our sights are firmly set on Cheltenham.”
This victory allowed Djelo to recover from a previous setback at the hands of Protektorat in last month’s Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor. Williams explained the dynamics of horse temperament, stating, “Djelo’s a lively one; you have to pardon certain performances as often the competition, like Protektorat, shines brilliantly on its day.”
Williams, collaborating closely with owner Peter Davies, trusted Deutsch to strategize at the start of the race. Through this joint effort and thanks to the gracious support of generous owners, the partnership has now surpassed £1m in seasonal earnings, marking a milestone for both Williams and Davies.
Despite earlier challenges, Djelo’s performance has landed him in the spotlight, reinforcing the adage that patience and strategic insight can unveil the true capabilities of any determined horse. With eyes set on forthcoming prestigious races, Djelo certainly precedes his reputation with characteristic grace and competitiveness.
