Harry Skelton was visibly moved as Grey Dawning triumphed in the £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock, described as a ‘magic’ moment. The race featured a thrilling showdown between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands also in the mix.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year earlier, Grey Dawning dominated the race, finishing two-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of its rival. Skelton, emotional after the win, had recently become a father as his wife Bridget gave birth to their daughter Anna just days before.
Reflecting on the victory, Skelton praised the efforts of Clare and Tom Messenger, who care for Grey Dawning and prepared the horse for the race. He expressed pride in his wife and eagerness to return home to his family.
The significant win contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s earnings, 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 exceptional performance, noting that the horse lived up to expectations. He acknowledged that the win was delayed by a year due to unfavorable weather conditions in the previous race.
Skelton also acknowledged the support of owner Robert Kirkland, emphasizing the importance of owners in the sport and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to deliver success for them.
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