Co-owner Andy Edwards acknowledges the tough task ahead for returning ‘superstar’ L’Homme Presse in the Turner’s Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. The 10-year-old, trained by Benicia Williams, boasts an impressive record with eight wins from 14 chase starts, including three victories at Prestbury Park.
However, L’Homme Presse has been off the track since being pulled up in February’s Ascot Chase and faces the challenge of conceding over a stone to his rivals in Friday’s 3.5-mile £100,000 race. Edwards, who owns the horse alongside Pam Edwards and Peter and Pat Pink under the DFA Racing banner, shared his thoughts:
“I’m excited for the race; it’s been a while since he’s competed. He underwent a minor operation in April to remove a screw from his cannon bone. We suspected something was wrong after Ascot, and it likely started around his Cotswold Chase win,” Edwards explained.
“It’s been 11 months since the Cotswold Chase, but he’s shown resilience before. He’s our superstar and always will be.”
L’Homme Presse has previously made successful comebacks, notably winning the Fleur de Lys Chase at Lingfield in January 2024 after a long break. Though he placed third in last season’s King George VI Chase, Edwards believes Cheltenham can see an even better performance.
“We expect him to run well and give his best. Running in a handicap for the first race is tricky, but he usually performs strongly early on. He’s in excellent condition,” said Edwards.
Edwards added, “I spent time with him on the field Wednesday, and he was calm and ready. This race is on a prestigious Gold Cup course, which is different from King George’s flat Kempton track. As always, we have high hopes and want him to enjoy the race and do himself justice.”
L’Homme Presse will carry 12 stone under jockey Charlie Deutsch, closely followed by Henry’s Friend, winner of Ben Poling’s Sodexo Gold Cup, who is set at 10th 12lb. Other competitors include Alan King’s The Doyen Chief, who recently returned after missing the Coral Gold Cup start at Newbury, and David Pipe’s King Turgeon, the previous year’s winner who recently finished sixth at Aintree’s Grand Sefton race.
Jockey Pipe commented: “He’s in good shape and skipped last Saturday’s Bettcher Chase to run here. The smaller field suits him, and the longer distance will be beneficial. He’s gained a bit of weight since last year but is still young and has room to grow.”
Fan Take: This highly anticipated return of L’Homme Presse is sure to stir excitement among horse racing fans, as it showcases the enduring spirit and talent within the sport. If he performs well, it adds to the drama and legacy of Cheltenham, underscoring why these races captivate racing enthusiasts worldwide.
