Harry Skelton couldn’t hide his joy as Grey Dawning clinched victory in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock. In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, the race evolved into a head-to-head battle up the final stretch between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands in close pursuit.
Grey Dawning, who suffered defeat to Royale Pagaille a year ago, dominated the competition in the latter stages, pulling ahead by two and three-quarter lengths over the former rival. Skelton, visibly moved by the win, expressed his emotions, especially after his wife Bridget gave birth to their daughter Anna just days before.
Reflecting on the race, Skelton praised the efforts of Clare and Tom Messenger, the assistant who diligently trained Grey Dawning for the victory. Amidst the excitement, Skelton shared, “Last year didn’t go as planned due to the weather, but today was exceptional. Clare and Tom took great care of him, allowing me to savor this moment.”
With a mix of emotions following the recent birth of their daughter, Skelton added, “I’m immensely proud of Bridget and can’t wait to return home.” Despite the overwhelming feelings, Skelton emphasized the importance of balancing personal milestones with professional achievements on the field.
The significant win not only brought Skelton personal triumph but also contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s earnings, solidifying his position at the top of the trainers’ standings with over £1.2 million accumulated since April.
Dan Skelton, pleased with Grey Dawning’s stellar performance, remarked, “I had high expectations for today, and he delivered brilliantly. While we’re a year behind schedule from last year’s plans, the weather played a factor then. Today’s victory was truly a sight to behold.”
Acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster, especially for Harry Skelton, Dan Skelton commended the remarkable 48 hours they had experienced. He also credited owner Robert Kirkland for his unwavering support, highlighting the crucial role owners play in the sport and the joy of delivering moments like this to them.