Harry Skelton displayed strong emotions as the impressive Grey Dawning triumphed in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock. The key race on Saturday turned into a thrilling battle up the homestretch between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands finishing closely behind.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year ago, Grey Dawning dominated the competition in the final stages, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of its old rival. This exceptional performance nearly brought Skelton to tears, especially significant as it came just days after the birth of his daughter Anna.
Reflecting on the victory, Skelton expressed his satisfaction, acknowledging the hard work put in by Clare and Tom (Messenger), his assistant who diligently prepares Grey Dawning for races. Skelton also shared his joy over the recent birth of his daughter, emphasizing the importance of family amidst the intense world of sports.
The significant win contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s impressive prize money total, solidifying his position at the top of the trainers’ standings with earnings exceeding £1.2 million since April.
Dan Skelton praised Grey Dawning’s stellar performance, noting the delay in expected success due to unfavorable weather conditions last year. He commended the team effort that led to the triumphant display witnessed on the track.
Acknowledging the emotional journey Skelton had been through, particularly in the past 48 hours, Dan Skelton highlighted the importance of owners in the sport and expressed gratitude to Robert Kirkland, the owner of Grey Dawning, for his support and dedication. Giving owners moments of triumph like this was described as a gratifying aspect of the sport.