Sometimes a horse produces a jumping exhibition so laden with promise it cannot fail to stir the soul of observers and fuel a sense of heady anticipation for its owner. Just the four runners contested the 2m 4f novice chase at Cheltenham’s November meeting, though all were quality performers. But it was Dan Skelton’s foot-perfect Protektorat who flowed over his obstacles to prevail by 17 lengths and brighten a gloomy afternoon in the Cotswolds.
It was a superb jumping exhibition that had part-owner John Hales, whose big-race winners include Azertyuiop, Politologue, and the 2012 Grand National victor Neptune Collonges, but never a Cheltenham Gold Cup, talking of making good that significant omission with the horse he has in partnership with his daughter Lisa, Ged Mason, and Sir Alex Ferguson.
A few days’ later, some trainers may have been tempted to downplay expectations. Yet, negativity is not in the Skelton lexicon, and the ebullient young trainer declares: “Why not think it? He’s been very good over fences twice. We’ve got an awful long way to go before that (a Gold Cup triumph). But what’s the harm in dreaming?”
After dismounting, Skelton’s jockey, younger brother Harry, told TV that it would be all about ‘little steps’ for the five-year-old import from France whose jumping he described as ‘unreal’.
While the trainer has no immediate plans for the gelding he could conceivably target the Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Looking further ahead, he is 16-1 for the Arkle and 20-1 for the Marsh Novices’ Chase at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SHARK'S GOT A BIT BETWEEN HIS TEETH
Alex Gifford reckons Hewick will be ready and refreshed for the National after his Gold Cup absence
THEY'RE BACKING LOSERS AND WE'LL PAY THE PRICE
Rolf Johnson blasts unelected officials meddling with gambling regulations while the 'impotent' BHA stand aside
THERE'S BOUNTI IN IT FOR BOUGHEY
Dave Youngman does the rounds on the gallops at headquarters and spotlights a promising new crop
SUMMER DAYS FOR ALL WEATHER TRIO
It's cash bonuses all round for the stars of rubber and sand, writes Ian Heitman
FOLLOW THE VAN
Paul Jacobs is keeping faith with Gavin Cromwell and last year's Grand National runner-up
IT'S SAFETY FIRST BUT NOBLE'S MY WINNER
Sky Racing frontman Robert Cooper casts a wistful eye back on old-school Nationals - but he's fixed on Yeats
GET SET FOR AN EASTER CRACKER!
Karl Hedley picks out runners and riders who can shine in the aftermath of Cheltenham
COR BLIMEY! WHAT A CRACKING CLIMAX
Ben Morgan looks to Cheltenham stars Slade Steel and Corach Rambler to star on Aintree's biggest day
BANBOU TAKES A BOW
Frero can top 'em in the Topham for Venetia Williams
DAWNING TO OPEN FOR IN-FORM DAN
Ben Morgan sees the Skelton brothers getting off to a winning start on Day 1