Royal Charm impresses greatly Ruby Walsh saw another reason to get back into the saddle as quick as possible as Paul Nicholls' Royal Charm impressed greatly when victorious on his chasing bow in the Desert Orchid Restaurant Beginners' Chase at Exeter today. Nicholls' described Royal Charm as a very exciting addition to his novice chasing team prior to the commencement of the campaign and the French-bred five-year-old never gave those that took odds of 8/13 a moments anxiety under Noel Fehilly in the extended two mile one furlong event. In testing conditions Royal Charm's jumping was a joy to behold and in the familiar colours of the Ticknells, Fehilly brought home his mount a very easy twenty two length winner. By the same sire as The Nightingale, the son of Cadoudal obviously excels on a soft surface but bookmakers were sufficiently impressed to make him a general 16/1 chance for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Earlier Watamu Bay landed the grief stricken Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Chase on his second start for Nicholls. Fehilly hadn't much difficulty getting this fellow home an eighteen length victor.
