Charlie Deutsch: 'He's the best I've ridden - I'll be with him all the way'

The ecstasy of a first Cheltenham Festival victory has finally sunk in for Charlie Deutsch and he is optimistic bigger days are still to come from his ride L'Homme Presse, whose combination of class and character make him a rare find.

The seven-year-old put up a relentless performance, and jumped with exuberance, to land the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase in stylish fashion last Wednesday. He is now no bigger than 8-1 for the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup and Deutsch believes he has all the credentials desired in a top-class chaser.

The success means he is now unbeaten in five starts over fences and trainer Venetia Williams is reportedly weighing up the option of heading to Aintree next for the Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase, over three miles and a furlong, on April 8.

"It was a wonderful day, it's just sunk in now and it was brilliant," the jockey said.

"It's rare to come across a horse like him. He's a pleasure to ride, he's so classy, jumps well and has a good brain – he makes everything seem easy.

"He's so laid-back he's nicknamed gent, for gentleman. He handles the crowd well and he could probably do other [equine] disciplines. It's rare to find a horse that good and with such a great brain as well."

L'Homme Presse: jumps ahead of Ahoy SenorCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Some of the most impressive jumps from L'Homme Presse received cheers from the Cheltenham crowd and his rider admits the horse made his job easy. The pair were always in control in beating Ahoy Senor by three and a half lengths.

He reflected on the victory: "At the top of the hill I felt comfortable, I knew we had plenty there and it was just a case of getting over the last three. I knew we were in a good position and that it'd take a very good horse to beat him. You enjoy riding him when it's like that. He gives you the most wonderful feeling, it's a great buzz.

"He's the best I've ridden and hopefully he'll have a nice long career. I'll be with him all the way. I'm still enjoying last week but to have him in the stable is great. I suppose it's not worth thinking about next season just yet but I'll be excited when it comes around."

A tally of 45 winners makes this season the best yet for Deutsch but it is his success in top races which will make this campaign so memorable.

While the second of L'Homme Presse's two top-level wins was the highlight, he and Williams have teamed up to scoop the Ladbrokes Trophy with Cloudy Glen and captured valuable races with Funambule Sivola, Royale Pagaille, Commodore and Green Book.

Deutsch added: "Wednesday was a huge moment, I've always wanted a festival winner and it seemed unachievable a few times but you just need the right horse.

"It was a great thing to get under the belt, but it's been a brilliant season and I've enjoyed the satisfaction in looking back on it. That was the defining moment, we've had a few good Saturday winners but this was great to get done."

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