There are few moments in racing as heart-stirring as watching a horse defy the odds — and the price tag. For owner Terry McKeever, the sight of Thistle Ask bounding clear to claim the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter marked not just another win, but what he called “the pinnacle” of his racing life.
The £11,000 purchase, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry, continued his remarkable ascent by securing his third victory in just 13 days, this time in Grade Two company. In doing so, the eight-year-old gelding added the £100,000 feature to recent triumphs at Kelso and Wetherby — sealing a fairy-tale rise that few could have predicted.
Relentless from the Front
Backed confidently into 3-1 before the off, Thistle Ask wasted no time asserting himself, bounding to the front and producing a display of jumping that blended power and precision. Neither defending champion JPR One nor Grade One winner Kalif Du Berlais could land a blow, and even the determined Saint Segal — who briefly threatened two fences out — was forced to settle for second, seven lengths adrift.
It was a commanding, front-running performance, capping a 23-1 double on the day for the Skelton brothers and underscoring the sharp judgment of trainer Dan Skelton, whose handling of the horse has been nothing short of inspired.
“The Pinnacle So Far” – McKeever
McKeever, visibly moved, struggled to contain his pride. “He’s won three races in thirteen days,” he said. “It’s not about the money — it’s about the feeling. This is why we do it. Tristan Durrell and the team have been brilliant, and I’ll say it now — Dan will be champion trainer this season.”
The owner, who has spent years working with respected names like Nick Gifford, Gary Moore, and Jonjo O’Neill, was clear that this success topped them all. “This is the pinnacle so far,” he added. “And hopefully, just the start.”
Tactical Brilliance and a Touch of Courage
Assistant trainer Tom Messenger hailed Skelton’s bold campaign planning, noting how the horse had thrived on his quick turnaround. “It was a fantastic buy by Ryan Mahon and Dan — £11,000 for a horse that’s just won a Grade Two,” he said. “To pull off three wins like this is remarkable. Dan’s confidence and placing of the horse were spot on.”
Harry Skelton, meanwhile, was full of praise for his brother’s courage in entering the race. “It takes bravery to do what Dan’s done,” he admitted. “This horse loves to gallop and jump — he’s made for me. We had a light weight, good rhythm, and the plan was to make use of both. It all came together perfectly.”
Game Efforts in Defeat
There was no disgrace in defeat for the chasing pack. Saint Segal, trained by Jane Williams, delivered a career-best in second and may now be aimed at the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. “That was phenomenal,” Williams said. “He’s seven and still improving. You can’t be disappointed with that.”
JPR One (Brendan Powell) ran respectably in third but hinted at a step up in trip, while Kalif Du Berlais (Harry Cobden), the 13-8 favourite, found the pace too hot but should bounce back over further. Martator (Charlie Deutsch) rounded out the field after tiring late on his seasonal debut.
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