Trainer Dan Skelton could barely hide a smile as he spoke about Grey Dawning, the horse he believes has “unfinished business” in the Haydock Grade One Chase this Saturday. There was a flicker of pride in his voice — the kind that comes from months of careful preparation — as he described an eight-year-old who has never moved better.
Grey Dawning came within two lengths of glory in this very race last season, finishing behind Royale Pagaille after a stirring battle through testing ground. Skelton has long felt that one slipped away, and this weekend’s return offers the chance to put things right.
Skelton Confident Ahead of the Haydock Grade One Chase
The trainer, speaking during a media morning at Cheltenham, revealed that everything has gone to plan in the build-up to the Haydock Grade One Chase, the first top-level contest of the new Jump season.
“He has won around Haydock before over fences and it was a great run last year,” Skelton said. “Royale Pagaille loves the place — probably more than any horse in training — but our lad has his own strengths. He’s ready.”
Grey Dawning’s final prep included an away day alongside stablemate Panic Attack, and Skelton reports that the gelding has trained with a freedom and sharpness that reassures him.
“I don’t have a negative about him going there first time out,” he added. “It wasn’t fitness that cost us last year. He’s in the peak of his life now.”
Grey Dawning’s form last season was mixed, but it ended with purpose. After a below-par run at Kempton over Christmas, he bounced back to win the Listed Premier Chase at Kelso before finishing runner-up to Gaelic Warrior in the Grade One Bowl Chase at Aintree.
“Everything came together in the spring,” Skelton reflected. “Patrick Mullins keeps saying Gaelic Warrior will win the Gold Cup, so maybe that Aintree run was stronger than some people think.”
Aiming to Settle Old Scores
Skelton makes no secret of the significance of Saturday’s challenge.
“It feels like unfinished business for him,” he admitted. “I’d love to win it for Robert and Lesley Kirkland. We’re going there with no excuses.”
The trainer is also set for a busy supporting card. Joyeux Machin and Ace Of Spades may contest the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle, while Kabral Du Mathan targets the Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle. Double Measure is being aimed at the Newton Novices’ Hurdle, and Major Fortune is expected to line up in the concluding handicap chase.
Skelton summed up with a simple but telling line:
“I’m looking forward to it.”
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