WETHERBY — Seven-year-old Djelo gave trainer Venetia Williams her first victory in the £100,000 Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, denying Pic D'Orhy in a thrilling finish on Saturday that had the large crowd at Wetherby roaring the pair all the way to the line.

The Williams-trained chaser edged out Pic D'Orhy by a length after the two matched strides over the closing stages, with Djelo surviving a risky leap at the final fence to prevail at odds of 11-4. The Grade Two contest over three miles showcased two of Britain's finest chasers in a dramatic duel.

Pic D'Orhy, under Harry Cobden, attempted to make all the running and was enjoying himself in front until joined by Djelo turning into the home straight. What appeared to be a comfortable victory for Charlie Deutsch's mount became a fierce battle, with the outcome only decided in the final 50 yards.

"He's an exciting horse," Williams said. "I'm thrilled. It was quite a fight, wasn't it. I thought when he got there he was going to win, but then I thought he was going to be beaten. Pic D'Orhy is obviously a very talented horse".

For Williams, traditionally a late starter compared to other trainers, Djelo represented her first winner of the new campaign. The victory was particularly significant as it came in one of the season's most prestigious early-season staying chases.

Deutsch praised the runner-up's tenacity. "Fair play to Pic D'Orhy because when I joined him I thought he was beat, but he actually kept fighting. It's great that he's a seven-year-old and he's still progressing".

Djelo had proven himself a smart chaser with victories in the Peterborough and Denman Chases in 2024-25, and had won first time out every season in Britain, a record he maintained with this battling display.

Following the withdrawal of overnight favorite Protektorat due to quick ground, the race featured five runners, with late money coming for Irish raider Hewick, who was sent off the 2-1 favorite but never looked comfortable and finished fourth behind Ga Law. Yorkshire hopeful The Real Whacker, last year's winner, also failed to recapture his form.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of the gallant runner-up, remained upbeat. "I'm thrilled. It was a proper race, they were a mile in front of the rest. I really thought he'd go well and he stayed all the way to the line. The winner is an improving, young horse but he's a good horse too".

Williams indicated that Djelo would likely return for the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on December 7, acknowledging it represents a step back in trip but noting the horse is equally effective at shorter distances. When asked about the prestigious King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, Williams replied cautiously: "One step at a time", though the seven-year-old is now as low as 16-1 for the Christmas showpiece and would be among the leading British-trained contenders.

For Djelo, still young for a staying chaser, the performance suggests his best days may still lie ahead.

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