Harry Skelton expressed his joy as Grey Dawning triumphed in the £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock, describing the victory as ‘magical’. In a thrilling rematch between last year’s top two contenders, Grey Dawning emerged victorious, leaving Handstands trailing closely behind.
The race, a showdown between Grey Dawning and Royale Pagaille from the previous year, ended decisively as Grey Dawning surged ahead, finishing two-and-three-quarter lengths in front of its rival. Skelton, visibly moved by the win, had recently welcomed his daughter Anna into the world just days before.
Reflecting on the race, Skelton praised the efforts of Clare and Tom Messenger, the assistant who diligently trained Grey Dawning. He credited their hard work for preparing the horse for the race, allowing him to savor the victory on the track.
Amidst the excitement, Skelton shared his pride in his wife Bridget, who had given birth to their daughter Anna. He expressed eagerness to return home to be with his family, emphasizing the importance of personal milestones alongside professional achievements.
The significant win contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s earnings as a leading trainer, solidifying his position at the top of the trainers’ standings with over £1.2 million in prize money since April.
Dan Skelton commended Grey Dawning’s stellar performance, noting that the horse delivered as expected. Despite the delayed success from the previous year, Skelton was pleased to witness Grey Dawning’s exceptional performance in the current race.
Acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of the past 48 hours, Skelton praised owner Robert Kirkland for his support and dedication. He emphasized the crucial role of owners in the sport and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide them with memorable victories like the one achieved at the Betfair Chase.