WYE Valley trainer Venetia Williams' incredible run of success continued for a fourth weekend as Gemirande overcame a major challenge from Madara over the final flight to land the £125,000 Nyetimber December Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Victory for the 11/2 eight-year-old under jockey Charlie Deutsch followed successive wins for Royale Pagaille in the £206,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock, Frero Banbou in the £70,000 Rehearsal Premier Chase at Newcastle, and Djelo in the £80,000 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.
The King's Caple trainer, who won the Grand National with 100-1 shot Mon Mome 15 years ago, said: "It's been amazing. You always look at the big races and see if you've got something for them.
"The way he quickened from the last to the line at Ascot (two weeks ago), I haven't seen that for a long time. I was so impressed and thought we've definitely got to come here for this.
"Charlie wasn't quite sure how he was going to do the weight (10st 2lb) and I didn't know what he was going to amputate!
"Yesterday, he was 10st 7lb and he said 'I'll do the weight'. He could have gone for a couple of easier weight options at Doncaster, but was very keen to come and ride him... he's an outstanding jockey.”
Madara challenged over the final two, but Gemirande jumped well and found that little bit more up the hill to win by 1L.
"I've grown to love this horse, he's quite a character and his jumping was electric," said Deutsch.
"I'm chuffed for him to get his head in front, he loves racing and is really enthusiastic...
"I felt I had a little bit there, it was just whether Madara would have a bit more, but he's really game and he tries.
"He's definitely got better with age, he was struggling to finish races earlier in his career... Venetia’s a magician with these horses."
And the trainer and jockey will hopefully be targeting more festive success in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day with Royale Pagaille and L'Homme Presse, fourth in last year's Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup, in the frame.