L’Homme Presse carries British hopes in Cheltenham Gold Cup after triumphant return

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The Venetia Williams-trained L'Homme Presse (ridden by Charlie Deutsch) win the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield Park Racecourse, Surrey, cementing their place carrying British hopes for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse (ridden by Charlie Deutsch) wins the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield Park Racecourse, Surrey, cementing their place carrying British hopes for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
(Image credit: Alamy Live News.)

After 13 months on the sidelines, the most welcome sight of Lingfield Park’s Winter Million Festival (19-21 January) was the triumphant return of the Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse.

The French-bred son of Diamond Boy was last seen parting company with jockey Charlie Deutsch at the last fence in the 2022 King George at Kempton Park and it’s been a lengthy recovery since, involving careful rehab and plenty of patience from the owners.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.