Harry Skelton was visibly moved as Grey Dawning triumphed in the £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock, described as a ‘magic’ performance. The premier race on Saturday evolved into a thrilling showdown along the straight between last year’s top two finishers, with Handstands also in contention.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year ago, Grey Dawning dominated the race, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths in the final stretch, leaving his old rival behind. Skelton, touched by the victory, was close to tears, especially since his wife Bridget had recently given birth to their daughter Anna just days before.
Reflecting on the win, Skelton praised the team behind Grey Dawning, particularly acknowledging Clare and Tom Messenger for their dedication in preparing the horse for the race. He expressed his pride in Bridget and his eagerness to return home to his family after the eventful week.
The significant triumph contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s earnings, solidifying his lead at the top of the trainers’ standings with over £1.2 million in prize money since April. Dan Skelton commended Grey Dawning’s outstanding performance, noting that the horse delivered the anticipated exceptional display on the track.
While acknowledging that their success this year was delayed compared to their expectations from the previous year, Dan Skelton attributed last year’s setback to unfavorable weather conditions. He emphasized the emotional significance of the win, especially for Harry Skelton, who had endured a remarkable 48 hours. Dan Skelton also highlighted the importance of owners in the sport, recognizing Robert Kirkland as a phenomenal owner and stressing the joy of delivering such victories to them.
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