Hidden Gem

DEUTSCH BANKS PRIZE

- MELISSA JONES

GEMIRANDE was another winter warmer for Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams in the Nyetimber December Gold Cup.

Jockey and trainer stopped off at Cheltenham to add yesterday’s £125,000 prize to their recent haul of major jump races.

Royale Pagaille’s Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 23 kickstarted the stable’s unstoppable run over four consecutive weekends.

Gemirande carried the weight of expectation – but not any excess pounds from Deutsch – by halving in price to 11-2.

And the popular pick pulled out more climbing Prestbury Park’s hill to fend off a persistent threat from 11-4 favourite Madara.

“Venetia is a magician with what she does with these horses,” said dad-to-be Deutsch, 5lb lighter after restricting his diet to make 10st 2lb.