Pic D’Orhy goes back-to-back in Copybet 1965 Chase at Ascot
Pic D'Orhy ridden by jockey Harry Cobden at Aintree
Pic D’Orhy made light work of last year’s race and although he was made to work harder this time around, the 4/9 favourite did enough to defend his crown.
Harry Cobden, riding the nine-year-old, employed his usual front-running strategy, and for a significant portion of the race, everything seemed to be going as planned.
However, Dashel Drasher and Hidden Depths, a 25/1 outsider, hadn’t read the script. They made their move approaching the second-last and Pic D’Orhy looked uneasy.
He maintained a safe lead with some healthy jumping and with renewed confidence and a second wind, he crossed the line three and a half lengths ahead of his nearest challengers.
Paul Nicholls said: “It’s a nice start to the season. I have spoken to Johnny about supplementing him into the King George and there’s a new race at Windsor,”
“He keeps on winning and we could do with a yard full like him. Captain Teague is entered at Newbury (also owned by De la Hey).
“He (Pic D’Orhy) will get three miles there are lots of nice races for him. That Windsor race would be a real target as it’s a big pot.”
Jockey Cobden added: “I wish we had more like him, he’s not a champion but he’s a very good horse. I’d love to own him, he wins a lot of money every year.
“He just took a blow going to the second last but managed to jump it well and he’s gone and won nicely in the end.
“He’s more laid back these days and takes a bit more work to get fit. It’s a lovely first run of the season.
