AACHEN was a stakes-placed multiple middle-distance winner on the flat in France before moving to England to join the Venetia Williams stable almost seven years ago. Since then he has won eight times, most recently the Grade 3 Ryman Stationery Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham eight days ago, a first blacktype success for the 132-rated gelding.

Now aged 11, the Darley-bred bay is a son of the brilliant racehorse and outstanding sire Rainbow Quest (by Blushing Groom), a Banstead Manor Stud flag bearer who died in 2007.