Local trainer Dan Skelton has made a flying start to the 2024/25 Jumps season in the UK, securing over £1.7 million in prize money already. It means he tops the Trainers’ Championship standings in the early part of 2025.
Skelton, who was once assistant trainer to 14-time Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, has a strong string of horses at his Lodge Hill stables in Alcester. With some leading hopes ahead of the Cheltenham Festival this year, he is in a strong position for his maiden title.
L’Eau Du Sud Tops the Earnings for Skelton
With three victories from three starts, L’Eau Du Sud has been Skelton’s most successful horse in the 2024/25 campaign. He has earned over £100,000 in prize money, with the pick of those triumphs coming in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.
The seven-year-old, who is part-owned by former football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was a two-time winner over hurdles, but since switching to fences, he has taken a huge step forward with his form.
Skelton’s novice will go into the Cheltenham Festival with strong claims in the Arkle Trophy on day one of the meeting. He is now rated at 152 in the official ratings, and if he keeps improving, his future looks very bright next season.
Grey Dawning Is a Strong Gold Cup Contender
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is often a key race in the bid for the Trainers’ Championship in the UK. Skelton’s leading chance in the 3m2½f contest this year is set to be Grey Dawning. He was a winner at the meeting in 2024, as he landed the Turners Novices’ Chase.
Grey Dawning stepped out on novice company this season, and although he is still looking for his first success, he has shown he can be competitive at the highest level. The eight-year-old was runner-up in the Lancashire Chase at Haydock behind defending champion Royale Pagaille.
The former Festival novice winner does also have an entry in the Ryanair Chase at the meeting this year, and Skelton is set to decide which race he lines up in at the declaration stage.
Rivals To Skelton for Trainers’ Championship Title
Source: Pixabay
The obvious rival to Skelton’s Trainers’ Championship bid is his former boss, Nicholls. With just over £1.2 million in prize money, Nicholls is also having an excellent campaign. Although he is yet to go over the 100-winners mark, many of his successes have come at the highest level where the prize money has been higher.
Another trainer on course for one of his best seasons to date is Jamie Snowden. He has over £400,000 in prize money and it may not be long before he reaches the half-a-million-pound mark. Snowden is one of the trainers who has runners with racehorse syndicates in the sport, where shares can be purchased from as little as £34. This allows racing fans to join his journey this season as he bids for more success on the track.
Willie Mullins won the UK title last season, and he has made a slow start to his latest campaign, with just five winners to his name at the halfway point. However, the Irishman will have a strong team of horses at the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meetings, so a title defence cannot be ruled out just yet.
The 2024/25 Jumps season ends on the 26th of April at Sandown Park, with the Grade One Celebration Chase being the feature race on the card.
Image sources:
Picture 1: Pixabay
Picure 2: Pixabay
