'We've run into a good one' – Cue Card is made to look his age by tearaway grey

The margin between the first two home in the Betfair Chase was a staggering 57 lengths, but perhaps the most telling number was five.

That is the difference in years between Bristol De Mai, who despite seeming like he has been around forever is only six, and 11-year-old Cue Card, who was made to look his age by a horse thriving in his optimum conditions.

Having hit the deck twice on his last three starts, Cue Card had questions to answer as he went in search of emulating Kauto Star's four victories in the Grade 1 contest.

However, despite the youthful exuberance of his new 19-year-old jockey Harry Cobden, taking over from Paddy Brennan, the Colin Tizzard-trained fans' favourite could not match Kauto Star after running in snatches before finishing tired.

"He was second to a very good horse, who has blown the race away from start to finish," said Tizzard.

Colin Tizzard (left) and Harry Cobden (right) before Cue Card's date with destiny in the Betfair ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He doesn't swing on the bridle like he used to but that's why he stays well. In previous years it has been sloshy ground here and he never really travelled today on that holding ground and, in the end, he's finished tired."

The retirement talk from some quarters, which followed his comeback fall in the Charlie Hall Chase, is only likely to intensify, but Tizzard was holding fire on the future.

"They're not machines and we've just run into a good one, and he still had enough to finish second," said the trainer. "He jumped around clear and we'll go away and make plans."

Cue Card was pushed out to a high of 40-1 for next month's 32Red King George VI Chase, a race he won in 2015 and finished second in last year.

Cue Card: before running in the Betfair ChaseCredit: Mark Robinson

Triple Grade 1 winner Outlander wilted out of contention following a mistake five out but rallied gamely to snatched third from Tea For Two on the line.

"Outlander has run well," said trainer Gordon Elliott. "Jack [Kennedy] said he struggled the whole way around in the ground, which was very deep for him.

"He's won a Grade 1 for us already this season and, all being well, we'll probably go for the Lexus [now the Leopardstown Christmas Chase], which he won last year."

Betfair Chase result

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