'When Irish jockeys come to Britain they have to pick up a new pace clock'

Full credit to connections for bringing over the admirable Fakir D'Oudairies to win the Betfair Ascot Chase, and avoiding old rival Allaho made this a great opportunity.

Most of the eight runners for this Grade 1 were closely matched on ratings and the action over the first five fences set the tone for a tough race in tough conditions and probably determined the finish, as is often the case in Britain.

There was a strong pace up front. Rex Dingle tried to go his normal good gallop on Dashel Drasher, sandwiched by Brendan Powell – who bounced out Lostintranslation in a possible attempt to motivate a horse who seems to have lost his way – and the-ever aggressive David Bass on Two For Gold.