Sackville stars at Wetherby

The Frances Crowley-trained Sackville saw off the home team in the Peterhouse Group Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby today.

He put himself firmly in the Cheltenham Gold Cup picture by claiming the first major chase of the jumps season, and enabled jockey David Casey to make a triumphant return to Britain with a big-race double initiated on Boss Doyle.

And there is reckoned to be better still to come from Sackville, a leading novice last term who had finished only third on his recent reappearance over an inadequate two miles at Punchestown.

Reverting to 25 furlongs this time, the 5-1 shot was always in command, jumping to the front soon after halfway and finding extra when challenged by 33-1 chance Sleeping Night two fences from home to score by two lengths.

Shotgun Willy (3-1) was outpaced in the latter stages and finished another 17 lengths adrift in third place, with Legal Right - backed in to 2-1 favourite on the off - fourth.

Lord Noelie held every chance when he fellthree out but the rest of a good-quality field for the #50,000 contest were well beaten off.

Sackville was made 5-1 joint favourite for the Gold Cup by Paddy Power, though William Hill quote him at 8-1 and the Tote 10-1.

And Frances Crowley confirmed that the gelding`s season will be based round a tilt at chasing`s blue riband.

'He`ll be all right when he is fit!' the trainer said. 'David said he blew up and he will improve a lot.

'I was a bit disappointed with him first time but I knew he would improve for the race. We came here for the longer trip, so that he could relax and enjoy his jumping - and there is a #50,000 bonus if you win the Gold Cup so that`s a small incentive!'

And Casey, back in Ireland after spending a mixed two years in Lambourn, reckons he should go very well at Cheltenham in March, saying: 'I think it will take a very good horse to beat him in the Gold Cup.

'He jumped super today - he always does - and he`ll only improve.'

Sackville`s next start is likely to be closer to his trainer`s Piltdown base.

'The race we have got in mind is the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December,' Miss Crowley said. 'It`s two and a half miles and that wouldn`t be a problem.

'The King George VI Chase would be a consideration but there is also the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and logistically that is better.'