Diego Du Charmil

Diego Du Charmil ran a big race to finish second in the Kingwell Hurdle, on his first run over hurdles in ages.

Paul Nicholls’ horse travelled really well through his race for Harry Cobden, and his jumping was really fluent for a horse who hadn’t run over hurdles in almost three years. He travelled best of all into the home straight, kicked on and won his race, and he was holding the renewed effort of Ch’tibello on the run to the line, but he was just caught in the last couple of strides by Song For Someone.

The winner did well, he came under pressure early and he had to dig deeply, and he wasn’t helped by an error at the final flight, but there was a lot to like about the manner in which Diego Du Charmil travelled and jumped. He is a high-class handicap chaser, he finished second to Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last season, and he won that bizarre handicap chase at Ascot in November, but he would also be of interest now back over hurdles again. Good to soft or soft ground and two miles and a fast pace and probably an easy finish suit him well. He won the Maghull Chase at Aintree two years ago, and he will be of interest if he goes to Aintree again this year.

Kempton, 22^nd February 2020