RACING fans still fancy Wye Valley trainer Venetia Williams’ Gold Cup chances, despite the bittersweet experience of seeing L’Homme Presse unseat rider Charlie Deutsch at the last when battling with leader Bravemansgame in Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Her other charge Royale Pagaille still took second as reported in last week’s Gazette.

But there was also disappointment 24 hours later in the Coral Welsh Grand National just down the road in Chepstow, when the Kings Caple yard’s pre-race favourite Quick Wave struggled in the wet and muddy going and was pulled up five fences from home, with The Two Amigos under Welsh jockey David Prichard going on to win.

Venetia posted this photo of Charlie’s dramatic exit at Kempton last week, saying: “A brave performance in the King George by L’Homme Presse ends in a parting of ways at the last – his solid second place being inherited then by Royale Pagaille.”

And despite the tumble, supporters were quick to back L’Homme Presse’s Gold Cup chances on March 17.

One posted: “Going left-handed at Cheltenham will suit.”

And another added: “Bring on Cheltenham, going left-handed will be much better for him!” before joking “Who forgot to buy @charliedeutsch2 superglue for Xmas??”

“He ran a cracker and I still have faith in him back at Cheltenham in The Gold Cup,” said one supportive punter, while another poster told Venetia: “I thought both your horses ran really well and would really love the Gold Cup track, distance, and slightly more cut in the ground.”

One post added: “I think he (L’Homme Presse) still has a chance as we all know he doesn’t stop trying,” while another race fan said: “That was a shame! It would have been exciting to see L’Homme Presse and Bravemansgame go all the way.”

Agreeing with that, a poster said: “It would of been exciting to see L’Homme Presse and Bravemansgame race till the end, but the main thing is that both L’Homme Presse and Charlie were both ok.”

“Charlie was fearless… going at it at the last was amazing. Bring on Chelt,” added another post.

And one racegoer noted: “Had them all beat by a long way apart from one! Think Cheltenham will suit a lot better!”