Despite being one of the most prolific trainers in the land, Alcester’s Dan Skelton is yet to land his maiden Champion Trainer title.
Veterans like Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson continue to dominate the prize, with the size and scale of their operations ensuring they are in prime position to land some of National Hunt racing’s most prestigious renewals.
These summer months are not typically renowned for the quality of their racing due to the firmness of the ground, but with the trainer’s title determined by prize money won they offer an excellent chance to get up and running for the 2023/24 season.
And it’s a case of so far, so good for Skelton…
Hitting the Ground Running
As of early September, Skelton had saddled 79 runners and won eleven times, with 45 of his other entries finishing inside the places.
That has accrued prize money of more than £140,000, which is dwarfed by the likes of Fergal O’Brien and Donald McCain. However, it’s during the winter months – when some of National Hunt racing’s most iconic meetings are held – when the quality of Skelton’s yard will shine through.
WINNER! @harryskelton89 is back with a bang 💥 Flat White wins on yard debut and takes the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle @BangorRaces making Harry’s first ride back a winning one. Congratulations to owners Notalotterry 2 and to Bill who looks after Flat White at home #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/IKYscjBOe8
— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) August 21, 2023
Leading the charge once again will be Protektorat, who continues to impress on the big stage. He led the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a large slice of the race before fading late on, but the Betfair Chase winner will return in 2023/24 another year older and more mature. The eight-year-old will be trained all season long with the Gold Cup in mind.
Nube Negra is another reliable sort who landed the Shloer Chase in November, while Midnight River banked £120,000 in prize money alone last season after triumphing in Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day Handicap Chase and the Freebooter Handicap Chase at Aintree.
Keep an eye out too for star stayer Le Milos, the Newbury Gold Cup champion who gave an excellent account of himself in the Grand National.
With former champion jockey – and Dan’s brother – Harry as a retained rider, the Skeltons boast the all-important combination of quality and quantity in their yard… a balance that could yield the ultimate glory by the end of the season.
Get Involved
With Skelton’s Alcester yard and Worcester Racecourse continuing to thrive, horse racing in the West Midlands is in a good place.
There are opportunities for lovers of the sport to spectate a day at the racing on their own doorstep, while anyone can own shares in a racehorse for as little as £35 a time.
The syndicate model of racehorse ownership has been popular for a number of years, with all-comers enjoying chances to shine – who can forget the story of Dream Alliance, the Welsh horse bred by a pub landlord and part-owned by a consortium of her customers who went on to land £138,000 in prize money.
Great to get our first winner of the new season last week with STANLEY STANLEY making all over fences at Ffos Las. 🏇 https://t.co/XDZr5FaPc7 pic.twitter.com/FErdy4d2Io
— Venetia Williams (@VenetiaWRacing) May 15, 2023
Skelton himself trains horses for syndicate owners, while Venetia Williams – the former Grand National and King George VI Chase winner – also works with a syndicate. By using a racehorse shares gift voucher, equine enthusiasts can become part-owners of horses trained by the best in the business, such as Williams.
There are no guarantees that syndicate owners will win prize money to match the likes of the Gigginstown Stud, but with the chance to follow their horse throughout the season – perhaps even as close to home as Worcester – this is certainly a way to add another layer of excitement to the action.
