When it comes to consistency on the biggest stages few could match the levels of trainer Dan Skelton last season. With some exciting new recruits and some notable names back among his ranks the 2023/24 Jump campaign promises to be even better.
Big wins for Protektorat in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park, Le Milos in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and Ashtown Lad in the Boylesports Becher Chase at Aintree, ensured the run up to Christmas was a memorable one for the Alcester handler and his team.
Added to that, two winners at the Cheltenham Festival courtesy of Langer Dan in the Coral Cup, and Faivoir in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle, helped see Skelton set a new personal best prize money total exceeding £2.6 million come the end of the season.
Not one to rest on his laurels Skelton is already looking forward to another success laden campaign with another exciting team at his disposal.
He said: “I was happy with what we achieved last season. We had a pretty outstanding run throughout November and December and it carried on into the new year and they all ran up to their best I feel.
“We had two winners at the Cheltenham Festival and two up at Aintree and that was very important.
“They maintained their form throughout the season which was important. I was very happy with things but you do have to keep going.
“However, the team we have this season looks more than capable of helping us enjoy some more big days.”
HORSE-BY-HORSE GUIDE
PROTEKTORAT
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree