Harry Skelton was visibly moved as Grey Dawning delivered a dazzling performance to claim victory in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock. The race, a much-anticipated showdown between last year’s top two contenders, saw Handstands in a close pursuit.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year ago, Grey Dawning dominated the race in the final stretch, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths over its rival. Skelton, emotional from the win, expressed his pride following the recent birth of his daughter Anna by his wife Bridget.
Reflecting on the race, Skelton credited Clare and Tom Messenger for their diligent care of Grey Dawning, preparing the horse for the remarkable performance. The jockey expressed his gratitude for his wife’s well-being and eagerly anticipated reuniting with his family.
Dan Skelton, the leading trainer with over £1.2 million in winnings since April, commended Grey Dawning’s exceptional performance, noting a delayed but fulfilling victory compared to the previous year’s race. He highlighted the significance of the win for the horse’s owner, Robert Kirkland, acknowledging the pivotal role of owners in the sport.
The significant win contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s total prize money, reinforcing his position at the top of the trainers’ leaderboard. Skelton praised Grey Dawning’s impressive display, emphasizing the joy of witnessing the horse’s triumph on the field.
Amidst the celebrations, Skelton’s emotional state was attributed to the whirlwind 48 hours he had experienced, with a special mention of the invaluable support from owner Robert Kirkland. The victory was a testament to the strong bond between owners and participants in the sport, bringing moments of pure joy and fulfillment.