Harry Skelton was visibly moved as Grey Dawning triumphed in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock, described as a ‘magical’ moment. The main event on Saturday turned into a thrilling battle between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands also in close contention.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year ago, Grey Dawning dominated the race in the final stages, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths to secure victory over its old rival. Skelton, who was close to tears, attributed the success to the exceptional care provided by Clare, Tom Messenger, and others who prepared the horse for the race, especially significant as it came just days after the birth of his daughter Anna.
Reflecting on the win, Skelton expressed his pride in his wife Bridget and his eagerness to return home to his family. He emphasized the emotional significance of the recent events, highlighting the joy of witnessing both his daughter’s birth and the horse’s triumph on the track.
The substantial prize money earned added £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s leading total in the trainers’ standings, exceeding £1.2 million since April. Dan Skelton praised Grey Dawning’s performance, noting that the horse delivered the impressive display he had anticipated, despite being a year delayed from their initial expectations due to unfavorable weather conditions in the previous year.
Acknowledging the emotional strain on Harry Skelton, particularly in the midst of a whirlwind 48 hours, Dan Skelton commended the owner, Robert Kirkland, and emphasized the importance of owners in the racing industry. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide such memorable moments for owners like Kirkland.
