Ballyoptic grinds it out to land Charlie Hall for Twiston-Davies clan

THE Twiston-Davies team were in a Bally good mood at Wetherby as Ballyoptic (11/4) slopped through the mud to land the Charlie Hall Chase.

Sun Racing ambassador Sam Twiston-Davies gave his mount a cracker to hold off the flying Elegant Escape (6-1).

The pair jumped into the lead with three fences to go and had enough in the tank to last out in the Grade 2 prize.

In a race run at a brutal pace, it was a case of who could last longest as front-runner Top Ville Bentook no prisoners.

Philip Kirby’s contender jumped brilliantly and slowly got his rivals off the bridle one by one down the back straight, his strong gallop quickly proving too much for last year’s winner Definitly Red.

Brian Ellison’s stayer wasn’t the only one suffering as they rounded the home turn, with hot favourite La Bague Au Roialso feeling the pinch.

Jockey Richard Johnson got to work a fair way out and although his mare kept going admirably, her fate was sealed far earlier than punters would have liked.

Instead, it was left to Ballyoptic and Aso to fight it out up the home straight, with Venetia Williams’ charge ultimately finding the longer trip that little bit too far.

Sam Twiston-Davies propelled his mount into a clear lead as Elegant Escape came with a potent late flourish – but the former Grade 1 winner had too much class.

The winning jockey said: “I was on an absolutely terrible stride at the last and there was nothing there.

“He got into the bottom of it but was clever and luckily kept going to the line.

“This kind of ground really helps. He had a good confidence booster first time out.

“Dad’s a very good trainer but he’s an incredibly tough horse as well.”