Old Roan Handicap Chase report and replay: Jetoile wins for Ryan Potter and Daryl Jacob

Most eyes were on last year's runner-up Hitman and the exciting My Drogo, returning after a long absence, in Sunday's feature but both were adrift as the field weaved their way through the bypassed fences in the home straight.

Minella Drama, to the fore throughout, was still just about in front at the 'last' but was hardpressed by Daryl Jacob and Jetoile.

Tommy's Oscar could never quite get to the pair and nor could Al Dancer who rallied after losing his place.

Minella Drama stuck to his task but was eventually worn down by Jetoile on the run-in with the eight-year-old going on to win by a length and three quarters.

The Grade Two contest has been won by the likes of Kauto Star and Monet's Garden and was a first graded race success for Potter.

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Jacob, speaking to Racing TV, said: "He obviously came over and he was a bit headstrong, he was a bit of a character. I've worked him a lot and Ryan has done a great job but he wasn't straightforward and takes a bit of knowing.

"Today, we'd planned this. I talked to Ryan after Chepstow and I said the race you want to target at the start of the season is the Old Roan, I said that's the race if we're going to step up in company, that's the one we want to go for and fair play to Ryan, he's produced him on the day.

"It's a shame (the fences were omitted), we want to jump them, but health and safety is paramount. It's not easy, it must be a good half a mile (run-in) and makes it a different type of race, you've got to get into your position earlier to be in the right position to challenge the leaders.

"All credit to the horse, he has dug deep when I needed him, he's got into a nice position in the back straight and once Harry Cobden (on Hitman) was getting a little bit tired I managed to get his position off him and the horse got me into a lovely position, so all credit to the horse.

"That was his Gold Cup today but I mentioned, possibly, to Ryan the Peterborough Chase so that might be an option."

Unbelievable

"It was unbelievable," said Potter.

"From the day he won at Chepstow this was what we were planning for. When they pulled the fences out I was thinking that was our chance gone because all he does is gallop and jump.

“At the start of last season we thought he was going to be one of the top novice chasers in the country. He slipped at Cheltenham and he lost his confidence and it took him until the end of season to get it back. I know he didn’t beat loads, but he was so impressive at Chepstow. 

“I’m under no illusions that a lot of these big yards will be using this race as a stepping stone, but I had him ready for today as I felt it was a great opportunity so I had him fit. The bookmakers might have dismissed his chances but I didn’t. 

“I ride him every day and he has been working unbelievable at home. He is a yard superstar and I will probably never have another one like him. I’m only in my third season training and this is extraordinary. I’m nearly crying. 

“I’m hoping because the fences were out that the handicapper won’t be so hard on him as if the fences were in he would have won easier. All he does is jump and travel. The fences being out has hopefully done us a favour with the handicapper.

"I was looking at the Paddy Power Gold Cup but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. He'll go, probably, the Peterborough Chase or the December Gold Cup. I’d say at this moment in time we will probably go for the Peterborough Chase, but we will enjoy today. 

“Not all the staff are here today so we will have a bit of a party in the week. This is my third season training and to win a Grade Two is unbelievable.”

A re-match with the runner-up could be on cards with Donald McCain, trainer of Minella Drama, hinting that a trip to the Cambridgeshire track in December will be given consideration. 

McCain said: “He is a wonderful little racehorse. He is a bit wild, and Brian (Hughes) makes it look a lot more simple than it is. 

“You would have to think the way he was going around when they were jumping that he would have won. It is a great start to the season, and we will have to try and let him have his big day somewhere. 

“He is the type of horse that we believe will always run well to be placed in a Grade One as he always runs his race. His ideal scenario would be running between two and a half miles and two and three-quarter miles, going right-handed on slow ground. You have the Peterborough Chase, and those sorts of races, so we would have to have think of having a go at something like that. 

“He takes some managing, but he is a wonderful racehorse and he always gives his best.”

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