Royal Pagaille defends Betfair Chase crown

The 10-year-old, trained by Venetia Williams, improved his record at the Merseyside to four wins from five as he relished the muddy ground and wet conditions.

With Charlie Deutsch in the saddle, Royal Pagaille quickly established a lead and dictated the pace, demonstrating his comfort and confidence on the course.

Grey Dawning, a promising novice from last season and the favoured contender at 15-8 odds, emerged down the straight and with the final fence in sight, Dan Skelton rode him into pole position.

But Ricci’s horse is made of stern stuff and he rose to the challenge, pulled level with the leader and opened up a two-length lead by the time he crossed the line.

Ricci said: “It’s fantastic. It was brilliant. The rain came and Venetia has done a brilliant job with him. Willie has won 98 of the 100, but this meant a lot doing it here as I love Haydock. The people here are great.

“He’s not the most talented and probably wouldn’t win the Gold Cup, but his record here is amazing. I heard Grey Dawning had gone past him and I thought he would finish second, but Charlie said he just asked him again and went past him again. It’s just unbelievable.

“The way he dug in after the last was amazing and you just dream of these moments. It would have been nice if Willie had done it (trained 100th winner) because he’s done 98 of them, but it will keep him on his toes as well!”

He may not be held in the same regard as some of Ricci’s greats, but he has a special place in his owner’s heart.

“A lot of the horses we’ve had have been incredibly talented and while he’s talented too, he’s sort of a journeyman. He tries hard and that’s important to me and I thought it was great,” he added.

“You can make as much money as you want, but you can’t buy thrills, happiness and emotion and that is what this sport brings, good and bad.

“We’ve had some great days and some horrible days and it’s these things you live for, that’s why you’re in the game and I love it.”

Williams was just as thrilled with the victory, saying: “It’s unbelievable because he was beaten, wasn’t he? He’s had to do all the hard work and was being a bit careful at the obstacles, but he’s not beaten until he’s beaten.

“He’s a horse we’re obviously very proud of and I’m thrilled Rich has got a very nice horse to carry his colours in this country.

“I bought him as a four-year-old and he’s very much homegrown. I knew in the summer that Rich wasn’t far off his 100th winner and it was mentioned it would be rather amusing if it occurred here!”

On the subject of what’s next, she continued: “We’ve got options. He’s been second in a King George and he would have been back here last year for a third Peter Marsh but it was abandoned. I know it’s a handicap, but that’s obviously an interesting option.

“It’s quite clear that ground is key for him to be at his very best and you don’t often get that after February and into March, but you never know – it might be different this year.”