Charlie Walker, who shares the gelding with established owner Tony Hayward and long-time friends Eddie O’Gorman and John and Jenny Paterson, says:

“This could be a Christmas to remember. I’ve been in racing long enough to know that it’s better not to get carried away but he’s an exciting young horse who surprised us all in the Badger Beer Handicap Chase.

“It was his first run since April and his trainer Anthony Honeyball thought he’d need it. We were also taking on stars like King George winner Frodon and Threeunderthrufive so to see him win was a bit of a shock.

“He got into a good rhythm and jumped so beautifully around Wincanton that we must be hopeful of another big day at Ascot,” adds Charlie, who also part-owns the second favourite for the Betfair Exchange Trophy on Saturday’s Christmas cracker of a card at Ascot.

“Altobelli, who is in training with Harry Fry, also goes with a big chance and it’s my grandson Lucas’s 13^th birthday so it could become a day to remember,” adds Charlie, who has enjoyed over 250 winners as an owner but is sharing the Blackjack Magic experience with newcomers to the sport.

“Eddie has been a friend for nearly 50 years and is new to racing and John was my boss when we worked in insurance in our early 20s. He’s had a couple of shares with me but nothing like the fun he and his wife Jenny are having with Blackjack.”