The Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade Two) - Wetherby - 3 miles, 45 yards - 18 Fences - Runners: 5 - Going: Good to Soft, Soft in Places. 

Introduction:
A traditional and valuable event to really kick the season into gear at Yorkshire's premier national hunt racecourse and much perceived as the track's biggest race of the year. A Grade Two event which is often used as the first step towards Cheltenham and beyond for the returning leading stars of the jumping game and this year's edition was nothing less. A mouth-watering clash between two of last season's leading novice chases who have crossed paths on three occasions before. The returning Bravemansgame and Ahoy Senor lined up against each other once again with the Cheltenham Gold Cup on their horizons. The match score was sitting at two-one in favour of Ahoy Senor and this next battle was hotly anticipated when declarations were made 48 hours previously. 
The race wasn't just about two horses however, a star-studded line up made this year's Charlie Hall a race to excite even the most casual National Hunt fan. The much improved Eldorado Allen, a surprise package last year, provided an interesting alternative to the main protagonists. Wide margin Aintree winner Sam Brown joined the Greatwood Gold Cup winner Paint The Dream to complete a final field of five runners. 

Previous History:
The line up of high class horses to have won the Charlie Hall Chase trophy stretches over decades. With modern greats and past era champions appearing on the list of former winners, it really compliments Wetherby for providing a perfectly scheduled event on the calendar and for the prize money offered. During the 1980's former and subsequent winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup strutted their stuff on the West Yorkshire turf including Burrough Hill Lad, Forgive N' Forget and slightly further on in time, the 1999 Gold Cup winner See More Business. Hugely popular grey One Man landed the race in 1996, a few months before winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton during a brilliant career which included a Champion Chase over 2 miles in 1998. 
In more recent years, Cue Card is arguably the highest profile winner of the race as he landed the event in 2015 prior to his memorable Chase Triple Crown pursuit which saw the Colin Tizzard-trained legend win the Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase before dramatically falling when in contention during the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Highest rated chaser in the country at the time Cyrname landed the 2020 renewal in effortless fashion and Silviniaco Conti can include the race on his bulging CV. 
The 2021 running of the Charlie Hall Chase saw a small but select field and the race wasn't shy of drama. Previous year's winner Cyrname returned to defend his crown and his toughest opponent was seemingly the Dan Skelton-trained Shan Blue. As the race progressed, it was evident that the Paul Nicholls-trained Cyrname wasn't himself and after a series of slow jumps, he was pulled up out of the race. That left the race at the mercy of Shan Blue and jockey Harry Skelton kicked for home turning the bend. At the third last fence and with a ten length lead, Shan Blue made a blunder and came crashing down to the ground to the sound of an almighty gasp from the crowd. Horse and rider were perfectly fine albeit shocked and disappointed, but the race continued and provided an exciting finish. The Nicky Henderson-trained Fusil Raffles picked up the pieces and safely navigated the last few fences to power clear. He had the closing charger Kitty's Light eating up the ground in the pursuit, but it was in vain as Fusil Raffles took the trophy back to Lambourn.

2022 Runners and Riders:

1: ELDORADO ALLEN
Trainer: Joe Tizzard
Owners: J P Romans & Terry Warner.
Race Record: 19 Runs, 5 Wins, 9 Placings.
Sire: Khalkevi  -  Dam: Hesmeralda
Profile:
All change at the top as a new era starts for a legendary stable. Former jockey Joe Tizzard has entered the training ranks after taking over the license from his father Colin, a colourful and popular figure in racing. The Devon yard provided the much loved Cue Card and popular Joe Lively over the years and Eldorado Allen is the latest horse to fly the flag for the Tizzard family. Starting his hurdling career in France, the grey son of Khalkevi was purchased after two promising runs in second and third. An instant impact in Britain saw a win first time out before an unfortunate incident featuring a wayward rival saw him unseat the rider. Eldorado Allen's subsequent form would see him as a useful handicapper, but once he faced the larger obstacles, he began to flourish. Winning on first start over fences, he would land a first Grade Two in the early stages of the 2020-21 season. Towards the latter part of the season, he would chase home none other than Shishkin in the Lightning Novice Chase and Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Last year would see the now second season chaser put in his best form, winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter before stepping up in trip to the intermediate trip of 2 miles, 4 furlongs. Placed in two small field Grade Two events, further progress was unlocked by winning the Denman Chase on Cheltenham Trials day at Newbury, beating the likes of Clan Des Obeaux and Royale Pagaille in the process. A third place in the Ryanair Chase at this year's Cheltenham Festival was another high class piece of form and the flat 3 miles of Wetherby should be an ideal starting point. His chasing experience and potential when on song could be used to his advantage here. 

2: PAINT THE DREAM
Trainer: Fergal O'Brien
Owner: David Brace
Race Record: 24 runs, 4 wins, 
Sire: Brian Boru - Dam: Vineuil
Profile:
A lovely racing story as regular jockey Conor Brace rides this horse for his grandfather, the owner David Brace, and delivered one of the moments of last season' at Newbury. Starting out life in the Point-To-Point field, Paint The Dream was moved to the Fergal O'Brien stable close to Cheltenham. The early stages of his career under rules saw mild progress as the horse rose through the smaller class of races but the experience of fences in point to points came to good use once he switched the attention to the bigger obstacles. Paint The Dream's first season as a novice didn't yield a win, but there were flashes of promise on occasions. Finishing second on New Years' Day in the 2020 Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham before finishing third in the Grade One Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown. Paint The Dream was able to continue as a novice for a second season and finally won over fences at the end of 2020 which began his steep progress. The undoubted highlight of his career came at Newbury in March 2022 where he decimated a good quality field in the Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Making the running, the Fergal O'Brien charge pinged every fence in a display of quick and accurate jumping. He put his rivals to the sword and won by fifteen lengths, a career highlight also for jockey Conor Brace. The handicapper unsurprisingly pushed Paint The Dream's rating up severely which has forced connections into Graded company. A fourth in the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree was an even better display from a form perspective and it would seem the quicker pace of valuable races will suit better. 

3: SAM BROWN
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Owner: T C Frost
Race Record: 13 runs, 6 wins, 3 placings.
Sire: Black Sam Bellamy - Dam: Cream Cracker
Profile:
In a similar vein to Paint The Dream above, connections have been somewhat forced into Graded company based on his rating, but this very lightly raced chaser showed his true potential on his latest start. National Hunt racehorses can be very fragile and patience is needed for some horses more than others. The now ten-year-old has raced just thirteen times since his debut in 2017, but the patience seems to be have been rewarded. Winning four of his first six starts over the course of three years, it was a case of savouring Sam Brown when he was on track as long periods of time away from the track dominated his early career. The 2021-22 season was the first full season connections were able to have with Sam Brown as they enjoyed a relatively clear run with their stable star, highlighted by the fact Sam Brown raced over four times in one season for the first time. Amongst his form last season included a very brave run in defeat to the subsequent Gold Cup sixth Royale Pagaille where he attempted to make the running, only to lose out close home by half a length. A much needed break from those excursions was needed and Sam Brown arrived at Aintree for the Handicap Chase that preceded the Randox Grand National. Seemingly outpaced at one stage, Sam Brown found a second wind and breezed past his rivals and up the famous straight to hose up by fifteen lengths ahead of the classy Shan Blue. It was a performance of the highest quality and was a much delayed display of his huge talent. Running in Graded company for the first time at Wetherby, it is hoped that he can run respectfully before a potential tilt at the famous Grand National at Aintree. 

4: AHOY SENOR
Trainer: Lucinda Russell
Owner: Mrs C Wymer & Pjs Russell
Race Record: 9 races, 5 wins, 3 placings.
Sire: Dylan Thomas - Dam: Dara Supreme
Profile:
The pride of Scotland and first of the two titans in the race. A horse who burst onto the scene in an abrupt way but has quickly developed into one of the Britain's leading chasers. At just seven years old, time is very much on his side and has the potential to continue at the top for the next few years. Starting life in the point-to-point scene, he gained the attention of talent scouts when he destroyed opponents by thirty lengths on his second start and was soon moved to Scotland. Trained by Lucinda Russell, who has become a rising star of the training ranks in recent seasons alongside husband Peter Scudmore, Ahoy Senor has always been a chaser in the making due to his intimidating size. That being said, he was still able to reach the top over hurdles. Building on the promise of his debut second in a flat race at Ayr, he returned to the track weeks later but this time over hurdles. Unimpressed by the bookmakers based on his 16-1 starting price, Ahoy Senor impressed onlookers with his jumping technique and galloping as he won easily on hurdling debut. A sharp rise in class was up next with connections feeling they had nothing to lose with this embryonic chaser. Arriving at Aintree for the 2021 Sefton Novices' Hurdle, he would face Bravemansgame for the first time. Again unfancied in the betting at 66-1, Ahoy Senor dominated the race by dictating the pace. Jockey Derek Fox going clear of the field up front, easing him back again before kicking clear in a brilliantly judged ride. A first Grade One for connections and it set the juices flowing for the next step over fences. Making his reappearance at Carlisle, he faced more experienced chasers in an Intermediate Chase, such was the regard Ahoy Senor was held in. It was so nearly a perfect start until he stumbled on landing and sent jockey Derek Fox to the ground. That would be the only blemish on an impressive novice season though. Making amends next time out at Newbury, Ahoy Senor gained early comparisons to the mighty Denman in the way he ruthlessly galloped and demoralised other horses. Another clash with Bravemansgame over Christmas ended up in defeat in the Kauto Star Novice Chase at Kempton where it was apparent that going right handed didn't suit. 
Cheltenham was still on the agenda and he took in the Grade Two Towton Novice Chase at Wetherby along the way. In a much improved performance, Ahoy Senor would again gallop powerfully to win ahead this year's Grand National winner Noble Yeats. Rain on the day threatened to spoil the occasion of running at Cheltenham but Ahoy Senor valiantly rallied up the run-in to take second in the former RSA Chase behind L'Homme Presse. A return to Aintree's Grand National meeting would see another duel with Bravemansgame and Ahoy Senor would make it two-one in their rivalry with a galloping and jumping display well associated to him. 
Arriving at Wetherby for the Charlie Hall Chase, connections are even confident of their second season chaser and going left handed over a course he has won at before should suit Ahoy Senor to a T. In the battles against Bravemansgame, Ahoy Senor has needed to channel Braveheart and wear the pride of Scotland on his chest. He should be able to take the Saltire all the way to the top. 

5: BRAVEMANSGAME
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Owner: John Dance & Bryan Dew.
Race Record: 13 races, 7 wins, 4 placings.
Sire: Brave Mansonnien -  Dam: Genifique.
Profile: 
Trainer Paul Nicholls is no stranger to holding the aces in the staying chaser's division and has enjoyed an embarrassment of riches over the years, winning numerous Gold Cups and the Grand National. From the early days of See More Business to the golden era of "The Tank" Denman and the glamourous Kauto Star. It has been no secret of how highly Nicholls has held Bravemansgame in regard and the seven-year-old has delivered at the highest level over hurdles and fences. Another graduate of the point-to-point field, Bravemansgame was brought along slowly at first before delivering his promise over obstacles. Impressing with the way he travelled through his races, he made things look effortlessly as he won two of his first three starts over hurdles before taking in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at the end of 2020. Another seamless victory drew comparisons to those Ditcheat superstars of bygone years and the major festivals were next up. Bravemansgame would come up short in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham where he lacked the final kick of the winner Bob Olinger and then bumped into Ahoy Senor at Aintree where he failed to catch the runaway winner. 
Stepping up to fences proved to be the catalyst for Bravemansgame. Defeating the subsequent Charlie Hall Chase winner Fusil Raffles on seasonal debut in an intermediate chase, it was a performance to make people sit up at take notice. A follow up victory on the undercard of the Betfair Chase meeting at Haydock came next where he was so impressive with his jumping. He could have won by the entire length of the straight that day had jockey Harry Cobden not eased up. Bravemansgame would gain revenge on Ahoy Senor at Kempton over Christmas and win a first Grade One over fences before he produced one of the performances of the season at Newbury in the build up to Cheltenham. Running out of viable options for a Festival prep, Paul Nicholls nominated a novice handicap chase on the Betfair Hurdle undercard. Facing just three rivals sounded easy enough, but the task was made so much harder by carrying sixteen pounds more than his nearest rival. It was a task rarely seen in modern times, but it harked back to the likes of Arkle and Desert Orchid in their heyday. The welter burden proved no issue for Bravemansgame as he remained unbeaten over fences. Rain on the day of the RSA Chase at Cheltenham saw the horse withdrawn and he ran vey poorly at Aintree behind Ahoy Senor. The form of the stable's runners was put under the spotlight and could be excused for a spell under the clouds. 
Connections will go to war with what they hope is a much stronger and improved version of Bravemansgame. Not many horses gain comparisons to the likes of Kauto Star and Denman just for the sake of it. A wind operation over the summer should help and a summers' break should also benefit him. A brilliant duel with Ahoy Senor is expected to light up Wetherby before they both go on to bigger things. 

Story Of The Race: 
1st: BRAVEMANSGAME
2nd: ELDORADO ALLEN
3rd: SAM BROWN
4th: PAINT THE DREAM.
Distances: 3 and a half lengths and half a length.

Only The Brave:
Despite the five runners, the early pace was pretty strong. With three front-runners, it was always clear that they would want to get on with things and turn the race into a test. From the flag drop, there was nearly three in a line charging to the first fence as Ahoy Senor, Paint The Dream and Bravemansgame all jostled for position with Eldorado Allen and Sam Brown sticking close by their heels. The early stages were focused on getting into a rhythm without overexerting things. There was little change in the order as they past their point of departure for the first time. The only worry in the field was Ahoy Senor racing quite freely, a cause for concern for his supporters. 
Paint The Dream took the baton of the race lead during the second circuit as Ahoy Senor's jumping began to show slight cracks. He wasn't foot perfect and warning alarms began to sound. In contrast, Bravemansgame had jumped superbly well throughout and was travelling easily as if it was a gallop session. Turning for home and the final four fences in front of them, Paint The Dream held a narrow advantage but Sam Brown entered the fray and appeared to be full of running. An almighty shock briefly looked to be on the cards until the white silks of Bravemansgame appeared on the outside, still travelling effortlessly. 
Approaching the final fence, Harry Cobden was still riding with the highest confidence on his mount and remained motionless in the saddle. As he pulled clear of his tiring rivals, Cobden steadied his horse to make sure the pair negotiated the final fence safely. Another brilliant jump sealed proceedings and although Eldorado Allen chased Bravemansgame home, it was a very decisive three and a half length winning margin. Sam Brown battled hard to earn a deserved third place for his connections and Paint The Dream ran as well as could be expected in fourth.
The biggest disappointment of the race was Ahoy Senor, who trailed home in a well beaten last place. Although the concern was surely felt by connections, no abnormalities were found and the precautionary explanation was that Ahoy Senor raced too keenly early on and wasted energy.
The score in the mini rivalry between the Nicholls and Russell superstars is now back to two-two. For Bravemansgame, a Christmas treat against the best Irish chasers at Kempton for the King George VI Chase will be a clash worth waiting for. Whether or not this young staying star will break through at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup remains to be see, but what is clear to see is the abundance of talent this horse has. 
A two-horse battle was expected, but there can be only one winner and today it was only the Brave.