Harry Skelton was visibly moved as the impressive Grey Dawning clinched victory in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock. The main event on Saturday evolved into a thrilling showdown between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands also in the mix.
Despite finishing second to Royale Pagaille the previous year, Grey Dawning dominated the race, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths in the final stretch to secure the win over its old rival. Skelton, overwhelmed with emotion, was on the verge of tears, especially after his wife Bridget had recently given birth to their daughter Anna just a few days prior.
Reflecting on the race, Skelton expressed his joy, crediting the exceptional teamwork that prepared Grey Dawning for success. He highlighted the dedication of Clare and Tom (Messenger), the assistant who diligently trained the horse, allowing Skelton to savor the triumphant moment on the track.
The elated Skelton shared, “Last year just didn’t work out when the heavens opened but today he was brilliant. Clare and Tom (Messenger) our assistant who rides him out every day – they look after him and got him in shape for me to go out and enjoy that.”
Amidst the excitement of the race, Skelton also emphasized the personal milestone of becoming a father, expressing his pride in Bridget and his eagerness to return home to his growing family.
The significant victory not only brought joy to Skelton but also boosted the prize money total for Dan Skelton, who leads the trainers’ standings with over £1.2 million in earnings since April. Dan Skelton praised Grey Dawning’s exceptional performance, commending the horse for delivering the anticipated outstanding display on the track.
“We are a year late for what we thought was going to happen last year, but the rain really did us in last year. It was great to watch today,” stated Dan Skelton, reflecting on the delayed success of Grey Dawning.
Acknowledging the emotional journey of the past 48 hours, Dan Skelton lauded Harry Skelton’s resilience and dedication, particularly in light of the recent personal milestones. He expressed gratitude towards owner Robert Kirkland, emphasizing the pivotal role of owners in the racing industry and the joy of providing them with moments of triumph like the one witnessed at the Betfair Chase.